His  Perjod 


A.  N r> 


c 


t. 


1905, 


TH.  NAST 

HIS  I’EiaOD  AND  HIS  PICTUKES 


TH.  NAST 


Ills  PERIOD  AND  HIS  PICTURES 


BY 

ALBERT  BIGELOW  PAINE 


JCcu’  \|ork 

THE  MACMILLAN  COMPANY 

LONDON:  MACMILLAN  & CO.,  Ltd. 

1904 

All  rights  reserved 


COPYRIGHT,  1904,  BY 

THE  PEAUSON  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 


COPYRIGHT,  1904,  BY 
ALBERT  BIGELOW  PAINE 


SET  CP  AND  ELECTUOTYPED 
PUBLISHED  NOVEMBER,  1!H)4 


TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

FLETCHEll  HARPER 

MHOSE  UNFAILING  HONESTY  AND 
UNFALTERING  COURAGE  MADE  POS- 
SIRI,E  THE  GREATEST  TRIUMPHS  OF 


THOMAS  NAST 


CONTENTS 


A full  Index  and  Contents  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  this  volume 

List  op  Illustrations 

Introduction 


PART  OXE:  THE  ROVER 

I.  A Little  Lad  of  Landau.  (1840) 

Cliildhood.  Early  Art.  Arrival  in  America. 

II.  A New  Land  and  a New  Life.  (1846)  .... 

First  School.  The  “Big  Six”  and  its  “Tiger.”  Art  and 
Drama. 

III.  In  the  Way  op  Art.  (1855) 

Early  Instructors.  At  the  Academy.  A Place  in  the  New 
World. 


IV.  At  Leslie's.  (1856)  

New  Work  and  New  Friends.  The  Morri.ssey-Heenan 
Fight.  The  First  Picture  for  Harper’s. 

V.  Love  and  a Long  Journey.  (1859) 

The  “Jolly  Edwards  Family.”  A Pictorial  Picnic.  An 
Assignment  Abroad. 

VI.  The  IIeenan-Sayers  Fight.  (1860) 

“The  Little  Dragsman.”  A Great  “Drawn”  Battle. 
Ileenau  to  the  Rescue. 


21 


.30 


36 


VII.  On  the  Way  to  G.\ribaldi.  (1860)  .... 

The  “ Liberator.”  Soldiers  of  Fortune.  “ It’s  Garibaldi  ! 


45 


VI 


CONTENTS 


VIII.  With  Garibaldi.  (1860) 51 

The  “Reel  Shirts.”  A Trip  to  Naples.  Garibaldi,  Dic- 
tator of  Italy. 

IX.  On  to  Naples.  (1860) 56 

“Joe,  the  Fat  Boy.”  Conquering  Heroes.  Garibaldi. 

Victor  over  All. 

X.  Home.  (1861) 64 


Goodbye  to  Italj'.  Once  More  at  Landau.  A Wedding 
Journey. 


PART  TWO:  THE  PATRIOT 

XI.  Meeting  Abraham  Lincoln.  (1861) 69 

With  Lincoln  in  New  Yoi’k.  At  Philadelphia,  Baltimore 
and  Washington.  The  Star-spangled  Banner. 

XII.  The  Days  op  Conflict.  (1861-3) 77 

The  Outbreak  of  War.  Domestic  Felicity.  The  War 
Cartoons  for  Harper’s  Weekly. 

XHI.  In  the  Draft  Riots.  (1863) 92 

A Reign  of  Teri’or.  Long  Strides  to  the  Front.  The  First 
Santa  Claus. 

XIV.  The  War’s  Last  Days.  (1864-5) 97 

The  Great  “Compromise”  Cartoon.  The  Battle  for  Lin- 
coln. A Nation’s  Tragedy,  and  Peace. 

XV.  Reconstruction  (1865-6) 106 

“ J think,  Thomas  Nast.”  Johnson  the  Apostate.  Nast 
and  Nasby.  The  Beginning  of  American  Caricature. 

XVI.  National  Politics  and  Domestic  Happiness.  (1867-8)  . 118 

“Match  Him  ! ” A Cottage  in  Harlem.  Fletcher  Harper, 

Curtis  and  Nast. 

XVII.  A Campaign  and  a Recognition.  (1868)  ....  124 

Grant  and  Colfax,  and  Seymour  and  Blair.  “The  Sword 
of  Sheridan  and  the  Pencil  of  Nast.”  Honor  from 
the  Union  League. 

XVIII.  The  Beginnings  of  a Crusade.  (1869)  ....  135 

The  First  Tweed  Cartoon.  The  Savings  Bank  Letter. 


The  Gathering  of  a Storm  that  Would  Not  “Blow 
Over.” 


CONTEXTS 


Vll 


PART  THREE:  THE  REFOP.MER 

XIX.  Thk  Ring  in  its  Glory.  (1870) 

Tlie  Personnel  and  Methods  of  the  Rin^.  Nast  and  the 
New  York  Times.  The  Donkey  Symbol.  Franco- 
Prussian  War.  The  Battle  for  Better  Government. 


XX.  The  Proofs  of  Guilt.  (1871)  

How  the  Proofs  were  Obtained.  Tlie  Temptation  of 
George  Jones.  Tlie  First  Exposure  and  a Riot. 


1G6 


XXL  The  Ring’s  B.\ttle  for  Life.  (1871) 

“ The  House  that  Tweed  Built.”  “ loot's  Stop  them  Damn 
Pictures!  ” The  Temptation  of  Thomas  Nast. 


XXII.  The  Coll.^pse  of  the  Ring.  (1871) 

The  Thunderbolts  Fall.  The  Stolen  Vouchers.  “Stop 
Thief.”  The  Entry  of  Mr.  Tilden.  “The  Tammany 
Tiger  Loose.”  What  the  People  Did  About  It. 


XXIII.  After  the  B.\ttle.  (1871) 

Nast's  First  Almanac.  Congratulations  and  Honors.  The 
Tiger  Symbol. 


202 


PART  FOUR:  THE 


DEFENDEl 


XXIV.  “Anything  to  Be.vt  Grant.”  (1872) 

Domestic  Annals.  The  Cabal  against  Grant.  Charles 
Sumner  and  Alabama  Claims. 


206 


XXV.  N-A.ST  AND  Curtis,  and  a Conflict  of  Policies.  (1872)  . 

“Children  Cry  for  It.”  The  Cartoon  that  Made  a Dis- 
turbance. A Prophetic  Greeley  Cartoon. 


214 


XXVI.  W.\sHiNGTON  Honors  and  Some  Lessons  in  St.\tesman- 

SHIP.  (1872)  

Letters  Home.  The  Confidant  of  a President.  Matt 
Morgan — a Rival  from  Abroad. 

XXVII.  Grant  and  Wilson,  and  Greeley  and  Brown.  (1872)  . 

Nast  and  Carl  Schurz.  A ‘ ‘ Liberal  ” Convention  ; I lorace 
Greeley,  Nominee.  Sumner  s Attack  upon  Grant. 
“All  Tom  Nast’s  Work.” 


CONTENTS 


viii 

XXVIII.  A Campaign  of  Caricature.  (1872) 246 

Matt  Morgan  vs.  Tlioinas  Nast.  “Shaking  Hands  over 
tlie  Bloody  Chasm.”  The  Defeat  and  Death  of  Horace 
Greeley. 

XXIX.  Quiet  and  Congratul.\tions.  (1873) 262 

The  Power  of  the  Cartoon.  Collap.se  from  Overwork.  A 
Plan  for  a Vacation. 

XXX.  Credit  Mobilier,  and  Inauguration.  (1873)  , . . 267 

“Where  is  Nast?”  The  Credit  Mobilier  Cartoon.  The 
Louisville  Courier  E.xpedition. 

XXXI.  A Trip  Abroad  and  an  Engagement  at  Home.  (1873)  . 275 

London  and  Old  Friends.  An  Agreement  to  Lecture. 

The  First  Cry  of  Cicsarism. 

XXXII.  A March  of  Triumph  and  Much  Profit.  (1873)  . . 283 

The  “Prince ” AS  a Lecturer.  “ The  Blackboard  Martyr.” 

Forty  Thousand  Profit. 

XXXIII.  The  Skirmish  Line  of  Events.  (1873)  ....  286 

The  Conviction  of  Tweed.  Panic  and  Inflation.  Butler 
Bottled  Again. 

XXXIV.  New  Symbols  and  C^sarism.  (1874)  ....  292 

Nast  Champion  of  the  Army  and  Navy.  The  One  Car- 
toon against  Grant.  The  First  Elephant  Symbol. 

XXXV.  Various  Issues  and  Opposing  Policies.  (1875)  . . 302 

The  Bayonet  in  Louisiana.  The  Ghost  of  Cmsar  Walks. 

“ I Forgive  Tom  Nast” — Andrew  John.son. 

XXXVI.  Politics  and  a Notable  Escape.  (1875)  ....  309 

Nast  Comi)liments  Tilden.  The  First  Rag  Baby  Symbol. 

Boss  Tweed  In  and  Out  of  Jail. 

XXXVII.  The  Heavy  Burden  Laid  upon  Grant.  (1876)  . . 319 

Christmas  in  the  Nast  Household.  The  Tiger  and  the 
Lamb.  Corruption  in  High  Places.  Hamilton  h'ish, 

Patriot. 

XXXVIII.  An  Exposition,  a Campaign  and  a Capture.  (1876)  . 328 

Preparations  for  the  Centennial.  The  “ Plumed  Knight  ” 
Convention.  Nast  Prophesies  Hayes.  The  Two- 
Headed  Tiger  of  Reform.  The  Dramatic  Capture  of 
Tweed. 


CONTEXTS 

XXXIX.  An  Election  and  a Contest.  (1876)  .... 

Tildeu  and  Hendricks,  and  Hayes  and  Wlieeler.  Zach. 
Chandler’s  Historic  Telegram.  The  Electoral  Com- 
mission and  the  Result.  A Generous  Testimonial 
Declined. 

PART  FIVE:  THE  STATESMAN 

XL.  A Distinguished  Guest  and  a Great  Loss.  (1877) 

A Dinner  to  Grant.  The  Death  of  Fletcher  Harper. 
“Give  the  President’s  Policy  a Chance.” 

XLI.  A Defeat  and  a Triumph.  (1877) 

A ilysterious  Disappearance.  .James  Parton  Asks  for 
Particulars.  Tlie  Unpublished  Cartoon  of  Lowell. 
Rest  for  a Rich  Cartoonist.  “ Tlie  Journal  Made 
Famous  by  Thomas  Nast.”  The  Tiger  and  the  Lamb 
Lie  Together. 

XLH.  The  First  Battle  for  Gold.  (1878)  . . . . 

The  Demonetization  of  Silver.  “St.  Matthew’s”  Resolu- 
tion. The  Rag  Baby  Swallows  the  Silver  Dollar. 

XLIII.  A Dull  Spring  and  a Trip  Abroad.  (1878)  . 

Tempting  Proposals.  Blaine  and  Chinese  Exclusion. 
London,  Pains  and  Old  Friends. 

XLIV.  The  Tribune  Cipher  Disclosures.  (1878) 

“A  Bit  of  Work  Just  from  the  Potter.”  The  Cryptograms 
of  1876.  How  a Great  Plot  Fell  Through.  Was  Mr. 
Tilden  Guilty  ? 

XLV.  A Testimonial  from  the  Army  and  Navy.  (1870)  . 

“Our  Patient  Artist.”  Resumption.  The  Presentation  of 
the  Army  and  Navy  Va.se. 

XLVI.  Quiet  Issues  and  a Notable  Return.  (1879) 

Tammany  vs.  Tilden.  The  Beginning  of  Republican  De- 
fection. Grant  Returns  from  His  Trip  Abroad. 

XLVII.  Chronicles — Domestic  and  Political.  (1880)  . 

A New  Baby  in  the  Na.st  Household.  A Protest  from 
Blaine.  “Greenback  the  Weaver.” 


IX 

338 

350 

358 

375 

385 

389 

404 

410 

417 


X 


CONTEXTS 


XLVIII.  The  Great  Convextiox  of  1880.  (1880)  ....  424 

Grant  and  a Third  Term.  Conkling’s  Great  Ap{)omattox 
Speech.  Garfield  and  Arthur. 

XLIX.  “Tariff  FOR  Revenue  Only.”  (1880)  ....  430 

Mr.  Tilden  and  John  Kell3'.  Hancock  and  English. 

“Who  i.s  Tariff  and  whj’^  is  he  for  Revenue  Only  ?” 

L.  A X.ATioNAL  Feud  and  a Tragedy.  (1881)  ...  441 

Garfield  and  Civil  Service.  Conkling's  Lost  Head.  The 
Assa.ssination  and  Death  of  Garfield. 

LI.  The  Dawn  of  Reform.  (1882) 452 

Chester  A.  Arthur,  President.  The  Death  of  Garibaldi. 

Grover  Cleveland,  Governor  of  New  York. 

LH.  A Period  of  Investment  and  Rest.  (1883)  . . . 463 

Grant  and  Ward.  Tem])orar}'  Retirement  and  a Trip 
Abroad.  A Wedding  Journe3'  Repeated. 

LI II.  The  Brewing  of  Political  Revolt.  (1884)  . . . 473 

The  Return  to  the  Weekl3’.  Apiiroval  of  Grover  Cleve- 
land. Criticism  of  the  “ Plumed  Knight.” 

LIV.  A Wreck  axd  a Revelation.  (1884)  ....  483 

The  Failure  of  Grant  and  Ward.  Tito  Time.s,  Harper’s 
AVeekl3',  and  Blaine.  A I’l-esident's  Confession. 

LV.  A Mighty  Making  of  History.  (1884)  ....  488 

At  Chicago  in  1884.  Tlie  0])portunit3'  of  Cui’tis.  The 
Weekl3'  Will  not  Support  Blaine. 

LVI.  For  President,  Grover  Cleveland.  (1884)  . . . 494 

The  Declaration  of  Revolt.  Na.st  and  Curtis  Accounted 
Traitors.  Tiie  Nomination  of  Cleveland. 

LVH.  The  Upheaval  of  1884.  (1884) 500 


A Political  Civil  War.  Nast  Assailed  with  His  Own 
Weapons.  “Blaine!  Blaine!  James  G.  Blaine!” 
Gillam's  “Tattooed  Man.”  Cleveland’s  Majorit3'  in 
New  York,  1,047. 

LYIII.  Again  in  the  Lecture  Field.  (1884)  ....  509 

Congratulations  and  Tempting  Offers.  Clemens,  Cable, 
and  Thanksgiving.  The  Nast-Pelham  Combination. 


COXTEXTS 


XI 


LIX.  Cleveland  and  Reform.  (1885) 514 

General  Grant  on  the  Retired  List.  “ Some  Disappoint- 
ment about  the  Offices.”  “The  Everlasting  Hungry 
Wail.” 

LX.  The  Final  Year.  (1886) 520 

“Tweed  Again.”  Anarchy  in  Chicago.  The  Last  Great 
Cartoon.  “ Not  in  Bitterness  but  in  Sorrow  they 
Parted.” 

I’ART  SIX:  THE  CONSUL 

LXI.  At  the  End  of  Power.  (1887) 528 

“ Nast  Lost  His  Forum.”  “ Nast  Has  about  Done  Every- 
thing.” A Journey  to  the  Mines.  The  Last  Lecture 
Tour.  Tlie  First  Presidential  Defeat. 

LXH.  A Paper  of  His  Own  at  Last.  (1889-93)  . . . 534 

Various  Engagements.  Senator  Depew  and  His  Retalia- 
tion. Nast’s  Weekly,  Its  Beginning  and  Its  End. 

“A  Lincoln,  a Grant  and  a Nast.” 


LXHI.  The  Last  Congenial  Occupations.  (1894-1901)  . . 545 

Three  Important  Paintings.  The  Later  Days  of  Nast. 

Visits  and  Acknowledgments  to  Friends.  Mr.  Roose- 
velt's Tribute  to  Nast. 

LXIV.  The  Consul.  (1902) 556 


A Letter  from  John  Hay.  The  Hour  of  Surrender.  Sail- 
ing Out  of  the  Harbor.  Letters  that  Tell  All  the  Tale. 
The  Days  of  Fever.  “It  is  coming  very  near.” 
“ Last  Scene  of  All.”  Colonel  Watte rson’s  Tribute. 


LXV.  At  the  End  of  the  Long  Journey 576 

The  Friends  and  Enemies  of  Thomas  Nast.  An  Estimate 
by  J.  Henry  Harper.  Nast’s  Genius  and  Achieve- 
ments. Cartooias  of  Then  and  Now.  A Partisan  of 
the  Right. 

Index  to  Text i 

Index  to  Illustr.xtions xvii 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


A full  Index  of  Illustrations  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  this  volume 


The  Illustrations  in  this  volume,  when  not  otherwise  stated,  are  reproduced  from 
the  pages  of  Harper’s  Weekly,  by  permission  of  the  publishers,  to  whom  all  acknowl- 
edgments are  due. 


PAGE 

L.\ST  PORTRAIT  OF  THOMAS  NAST  .......  Frontispiece 

THE  CHRIST.MAS  PICTURE  OF  1866  ........  3 

THE  ORIGIXAL  OF  THE  TAMMANY  TIGER  .......  9 

A SCENE  FROM  “TWELFTH  NIGHT,”  DRAWN  ABOUT  1853-4  ....  13 

A SCENE  FROM  “OLD  CURIOSITY  SHOP  ” (1856)  ......  15 

NAST’S  CARICATURE  OF  HIS  FIRST  INTERVIEW  WITH  FRANK  LESLIE  ...  18 

ALL  ABOARD  FOR  THF  ELYSIAN  FIELDS!  NAST’s  FIRST  ASSIGNMENT  . . 19 

SCENE  FROM  “ RICHELIEU  ” (1856)  ........  20 

A SCENE  FROM  “ GIL  BLAS  ” (1857-8)  ........  26 

FROM  “GIL  BLAS  ” (1857-8)  .........  26 

A SCENE  FRO.M  “GIL  BLAS  ” (1857-8)  ........  27 

FROM  “gIL  BLAS  ” (1857-8)  .........  27 

“police  scandal  PICTURES.”  NAST’s  FIR.ST  HARPER  CONTRIBUTION  . . 29 

THOMAS  N.AST  IN  18.59  ..........  31 

MISS  SARAH  EDWARDS  (NAST)  (18.59)  ........  31 

CARICATURE  OF  THE  ARTIST  OF  THE  “ PICNIC  BOOK,”  BY  HIMSELF  ...  32 

“the  company  ” AND  “THE  FIRST  EXCURSION”  ......  32 

“the  poet  and  the  artist  33 

“THACKERAY  AND  THE  PICNIC  ” .........  33 

PICTORIAL  SOUVENIR  OF  THE  VOYAGE  TO  EUROPE,  1860  . . . . .35 

A PAGE  FROM  N.A.ST'S  LONDON  SKETCH-BOOK  .......  .36 

SINGING  HEENAN-SAYERS  SONGS  .........  .37 

THE  RECEPTION  OF  “ OUR  SPECIAL  ARTIST  ” BY  JOHN  C.  HEE.NAN,  THE  “ BENICIA  BOY  ” 38 

THE  RECEPTION  OF  “oUR  SPECIAL  ARTIST”  BY  THO.MAS  SAYERS  ...  39 

VIEW  OF  THE  FARM  HOUSE  OF  JACOB  POCOCK  . . . . 40,  41 

THE  CHAMPIONSHIP  FIGHT  BETWEEN  HEENAN  AND  SAYERS,  ON  APRIL  17,  1860  . 42 

REPORTER  OF  THE  LONDON  “ SPORTING  LIFE  ”......  43 


XIV 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAGE 

THE  TROPHIES  FOR  WHICH  HEEXAN  AND  SAYERS  FOUGHT  ....  44 

THE  “ CAFE  DELLA  CONCORDIA  ” AT  GENOA  .......  46 

THE  EMBARK.ATION  FOR  SICILY  ON  THE  “OREGON”  AND  THE  “WASHINGTON”  . 47 

GIUSEPPE  GARIBALDI  IN  I860  .........  48 

GENERAL  MEDICI,  1860  ..........  49 

GARIBALDI  WELCOMING  HIS  REINFORCEMENTS  ......  50 

NAST  AS  A GARIBALDIAN  (jULY,  1860)  ........  52 

GENERAL  BOSCO  ............  53 

GARIBALDI,  “ DICTATOR  OF  ITALY  54 

BOUND  FOR  NAPLES.  ONE  OF  THE  DAYS  WHEN  “jOE”  HAD  A HORSE  . . .56 

“in  CALABRIA.”  A HALT  AT  A WAYSIDE  HOSTELRY  . . . . .58 

GARIBALDI  APPEARS  IN  THE  THEATRE  AT  NAPLES  ......  59 

THE  TRIUMPHAL  ENTRY  OF  GARIBALDI  INTO  NAPLES  .....  60 

SHORTHAND  BATTLE  SKETCH  ON  THE  VOLTURNO  ......  62 

FAREWELL  VISIT  OF  GARIBALDI  TO  ADMIRAL  MUNDY  .....  65 

LINCOLN  AT  THE  CONTINENTAL  HOTEL,  PHILADELPHIA  ....  71 

THE  “salute  of  ONE  HUNDRED  GUNS  ” .......  72 

LINCOLN  AT  BALTIMORE  ..........  73 

PENCIL  SKETCH  .MADE  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENT.\TIVES  ....  74 

A SOUTHERNER  GIVING  HORACE  GREELEY  A PIECE  OF  HIS  MIND  ...  75 

OFFICE  SEEKERS  IN  THE  LOBBY  OF  THE  WILI.ARD  ......  76 

A ZOUAVE  .............  77 

THE  MARCH  OF  THE  SEVENTH  REGI.MENT  DOWN  BROADWAY,  APRIL  19,  1861  , . 78 

THOMAS  NA.ST  IN  1862  ..........  79 

ABRAHAM  LI.NCOLN  ...........  80 

AN  EARLY  PHOTOGRAPH  OF  JOHN  HAY  ........  80 

THE  DESPATCH  ANNOUNCING  THE  FALL  OF  FORT  SUMTER  ....  81 

MRS.  NAST  AND  HER  FIRST  BABY  .........  83 

THE  CHRI.STMAS  PICTURE  OF  1862-3  ........  85 

“KINGDO.M  COMIN’  86 

ONE  OF  THE  EFFECTIVE  WAR  P;CTURES  . . . . . . .87 

THE  FIRST  HARPER  CARICATURE  .........  88 

“balloon  observations”  ..........  89 

CAPTURE  OF  THE  HEIGHTS  OF  FREDERICKSBURG  ......  90 

“the  result  OF  THE  WAR  91 

“BLUEBEARD  OF  NEW  ORLEANS”  ........  92 

ORIGINAL  .SKETCH  FOR  “THE  DOMESTIC  BLOCKADE  ” . . . . .93 

NAST’s  FIILST  PUBLISHED  SANTA  CLAUS  (1863-4)  ......  94 

SPECIMEN  ILLUSTRATION  FROM  “ROBINSON  CRUSOE  ” .....  95 

“a  CHRISTMAS  FURLOUGH”  .........  96 

THE  GREAT  “COMPROMISE  CARTOON”  ........  99 

TITLE  PAGE  FOR  “MRS.  GRUNDY  ” ........  100 

THE  CHICAGO  PLATFORM  OF  1864  ........  101 

THE  UNION  CHRISTMAS  DINNER  .........  103 

COLUMBIA  MOURNS  ...........  105 

THE  CARTOONIST  AND  THE  KINO  .........  106 

ANDREW  JOHNSON  ...........  107 

THOMAS  NAST  IN  1866  ..........  107 

THE  FIRST  “ANDY”  JOHNSON  CARTOON  .......  108 


LIST  OF  I LLV  ST  HAT  loss 


XV 


I,LKS 
OF  ANDUK 
ACHMKNT 


8KCKETAKY  STANTON  . . . • 

SECRETAHY  SEWARD  . . . • 

GIDEON  WEI-LES  . . • • • 

A PAGE  OK  THE  OPERA  RATE  CARICATtlRES 
THE  SANTA  CEAUS  OK  1H()4  . 
an  “aNDY”  JOHNSON  CARTOON  OF  IHW) 

THE  MEETING  OF  NAST  AND  NASRY 

JOHNSON  AS  KING,  SUPPORTED  HY  SEWARD  AND  W 
TICKET  OF  ADMISSION  TO  THE  IMPEACHMENT  TRIAI 
THE  president’s  JOY  AT  THE  RESUET  OF  THE  IMI 
AMPHITHEATRUM  JOHNSONIANUM 
GENERAL  ULY’SSES  S.  GRANT 
FLETCHER  HARPER 
GEORGE  WM.  CURTIS 
HORATIO  SEYMOUR 
A WILD-GOOSE  CHASE  . 

SEYMOUR  AS  LADY  MACBETH 

“lead  us  not  into  temptation” 

SEYMOUR  PLUNGED  INTO  A SEA  OF  TROUBLES 
PATIENCE  ON  A MONUMENT  . 

MATCHED  (?) 

THE  YOUNGEST  INTRODUCING  THE  OLDEST 
A RESPECTABLE  SCREEN  COVERS  A MULTITUDE  OF  THIE\ 
“farewell,  a long  farewell,  to  all  MY  GREATNES.S 
THE  “union  league”  VASE  .... 

NOT  “love,”  but  justice 

“WH.AT  A FALL  WAS  THERE,  MY  COUNTRYMEN.”  (bLACK  FRI 
THE  DEMOCRATIC  SCAPEGOAT.  (tHE  FIRST  TWEED  CARTOON') 
“the  ECONOMICAL  COUNCIL” 

THOMAS  NAST,  1871  . . . • 

GEORGE  JONES,  1871  . . . • 

THE  “white-washing  COMMITTEE” 

LOUIS  JOHN  JENNINGS 

THE  FIRST  USE  OF  THE  “ DONKEY  ” SYMBOL 

“who  goes  there?” — “a  friend” 

“the  seat  of  war”  . . ■ ■ 

NAPOLEON — “DEAD  MEN’s  CLOTHES  SOON  WEAR  OI 
THROWN  COMPLETELY  INTO  THE  SHADE 
THROWING  DOWN  THE  LADDER  BY  WHICH  THEY  R< 

SHADOWS  OF  FORTHCOMING  EVENTS 
SEN.\TOR  TWEED  IN  A NEW  ROLE 
EXCELSIOR  . . . • • 


;w  JON 


ES 


t” 


)SE 


\Y) 


THE  POWER  BEHIND  THE  THRONE  ..... 

OUR  MODERN  F.ALSTAFF  REVIEWING  HIS  ARMY 

TWEEDLEDEE  AND  SWEEDLEDUM  ...... 

THE  NEW  BO.ARD  OF  EDUCATION  ...... 

“gross  IRREGULARITY,”  NOT  “FRAUDULENT” 

THE  REHEARSAL 

THE  CHAP  TH.AT  CLOSES  MANY  A GOOD  ESTABLISH.ME.NT  . , 


108 

100 

100 

no 

111 

n;i 

114 

11.1 

no 

no 

117 

1‘20 

122 

123 

124 
12.1 
120 

127 

128 
120 

130 

131 

132 
1.33 
134 
1.3.1 

137 

138 
130 
141 

143 

144 
141 
140 
147 

147 

148 
140 
1.10 
111 
1.12 
153 
155 
1.16 
1.18 
150 
160 
160 
162 


xvi  LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

“move  on!”  ............ 

ONDER  THE  THUMH  . . . . . . 1()4 

“some  are  horn  great;  some  achieve  greatness”  . . , . , Ifi.") 

“the  gi.orious  fourth.”  (an  address  hy  tweed  as  ILLU.STRATED  HY  NAST)  1()0 
THE  TAMMANY  I.ORDS  AND  THEIR  CONSTITUENTS  ....  171 

“th.at’s  what’s  the  matter”  .........  17.3 

the  “brains”  . . . .177 

two  great  questions  . . . . . .ISO 

wholesale  and  retail  ..........  182 

na.st’s  selection  for  a tweed  national  ticket  and  cabi.net  . 183 

A GROUP  of  vultures,  WAITING  FOR  THE  STOR.M  TO  “BLOW  OVER.” “LET  US 

prey”  ............  18.5 

“too  thin!”  ............  187 

WHY  IS  the  treasury  e.mity?  .........  189 

THE  AMERICAN  RIVER  GANGES  .........  191 

“stop  thief!”  . . . . . . . . . .193 

THE  BO.SS  .STILL  HAS  THE  REINS  .........  194 

THE  ONLY  THING  THEY  RESPECT  OR  FEAR  .......  195 

THE  TAMM.ANY  TIGER  LOOSE— “what  ARE  YOU  GOING  TO  DO  ABOUT  IT?”  . 197 

“what  are  you  laughing  at?”  ........  198 

MR.  SWEENY  RETIRES  FROM  PUBLIC  LIFE  .......  199 

something  that  did  blow  over NOVEMBER  7,  1871  .....  200 

WHAT  THE  PEOPLE  .MUST  DO  ABOIT  IT  .......  201 

LET  THE  GOOD  WORK  (hOUSE-CLEANI.NG)  GO  ON  . . . . . . 202 

THE  LA.ST  THORN  OF  SUMMER  .........  20.T 

HAUL  “turned  up”  ...........  200 

CAN  THE  LAW  REACH  HIM?  ..........  207 

NO  PRISON  IS  BIO  ENOUGH  TO  HOLD  THE  BOSS  ......  208 

CHARLES  SUMNER  ...........  20!t 

PEACE  TO  JU.STICE:  “ A ITER  YOU,  MADAME  ” . . . . . .211 

“ WELL  ROARED,  LION,”  AND  “ WELL  SHONE,  MOON  ”.....  212 

“LI;T  US  CLASP  HANDS  OVER  (WH.\T  .MIGHT  HAVE  BEEN)  A BLOODY  CHASM  ” . 213 

“children  cry  for  it”  . . . . . . . 215 

THE  OVERTHROW  OF  THE  ERIE  RING  ........  217 

THE  DISAFFECTED  SENATORS  . . . CONSIDER  THE  SELECTION  OF  MR  GREELEY  AS 

THEIR  PRESIDENTIAL  CANDID.\TE  ........  219 

CINCINNATUS. — H.  G.,  THE  FARMER,  RECEIVING  THE  NOMIN.ATION  FROM  H.  G.,  THE 

EDITOR  ............  223 

COLONEL  N.  P.  CHIPMAN,  1872  .........  225 

SEN.\TOR  FENTON  ...........  226 

HORACE  GREELEY,  1872  ..........  227 

carl’s  boomerang  ...........  228 

THE  BATTLE-CRY  OF  SUMNER  .........  229 

“the  tower  of  strength”  .........  231 

THE  ONLY  “emergencies”  WE  NEED  FEAR  (?)......  232 

THE  CINCINNATI  CONVENTION,  IN  A PICKWICKIAN  SENSE  ....  233 

CHIEF  JU.STICE  CHASE  ADMONISHES  JUDGE  DAVID  DAVIS  .....  234 

WHICH  IS  THE  BETTER  ABLE  TO  POCKET  THE  OTHER  .....  235 

WILL  ROBINSON  CRUSOE  (sI’MNER)  FORSAKE  HIS  MAN  FRIDAY?  . 236 


LIST  OF  ILLi’STRATWXS  xvii 

PAGE 

“great  expectations”  ..........  237 

HURRAH  FOR  HORACE  GREELEY  FOR  PRESIDENT  ......  238 

A TAG  TO  Greeley’s  coat  ..........  240 

THE  last  shot — HE  PULLED  THE  LONG  BOW  ONCE  TOO  OFTEN  . . .241 

“drop  ’em”  242 

“played  out!”  ....  .......  24.5 

wh.at’s  in  a name?  ...........  24() 

“.SO.METHING  that  WILL  BLOW  OVER”  .......  247 

WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALA.NCE.  A .MORGA.N  CARTOON  AGAINST  GRANT  . . . 247 

anything  to  get  in 

ANOTHER  FEATHER  IN  HIS  II.\T  .........  2.51 

“red  hot!”  ............  2.51 

“WH.AT  ARE  YOU  GOING  TO  DO  ABOUT  IT?”  .......  2.52 

THE  WHITED  SEPULCHRE  ..........  2.53 

ONE  OF  THE  CARTOONS  .AGAIN.ST  CURTIS  AND  NAST,  BY  BELLEW  . . 2.54 

AS  USUAL,  HE  PUT  HIS  FOOT  IN  IT  . . . 2.55 

SURE  THING.  BETWEEN  TWO  STOOLS,  YOU  KNOW  ......  255 

“none  but  the  BRAVE  DESERVES  THE  FAIR”  ......  2.56 

THAT  “tidal  wave” — “WE  ARE  ON  THE  IIO.ME  STRETCH”  ....  2.57 

MR.  GREELEY  ON  THE  .MORNING  AFTER  ELECTION  ......  2.58 

CLASPING  HANDS  OVER  THE  BLOODLESS  (sAR)c(h)ASM  .....  259 

MR.  GREELEY  DISMOUNTED  FRO.M  THE  DEMOCRATIC  .STEED  ....  260 

COLUMBIA  .AT  THE  BURNING  OF  HER  BIRTHPLACrE  ......  261 

carl’s  POSITION  ...........  262 

A PAGE  FROM  NAST’s  ALMANACK  .........  264 

S.MALL  POT.ATOES  BEFORE  THE  SUPREME  COURT  ......  267 

THE  C.AME  OF  FOX  AND  GEESE;  OR,  LEGAL  TRIALS  OF  THE  PERIOD  . 268 

EVERY  PUBLIC  QUESTION  WITH  AN  EYE  ONLY  TO  THE  PUBLIC  GOOD  271 

THE  MEETING  OF  NA.ST  AND  W.ATTERSON  IN  CENTRAL  .lERSEY  273 

blindman’s-bluff.  how  long  will  this  ga.me  last?  ....  274 

JOSH  BILLINGS  ...........  278 

A MIDSUM.MER  NIGHT’s  DREAM  ........  279 

THE  graphic’s  CARTOON  OF  NAST  AT  WORK  AGAI.N  .....  280 

“where  there  is  an  evil”  (c.esarism  sc.are),  “there  is  .a  re.medy”  (ridi- 
cule) .............  282 

“shoo,  fly!”  ............  285 

fine-a.ss  committee  ...........  286 

if  he  can’t  respect  our  flag,  send  him  where  he  belongs  . . 287 

A GENERAL  “bU.St”  UP  IN  THE  “sTREET”  .......  287 

when  asked  to  refund  the  BACK-PAY'  GRAB  ......  288 

by  inflation  you  will  burst  (the  inflation  baby)  ....  289 

THE  cradle  of  LIBERTY  IN  DANGER  ........  290 

THE  CRADLE  OF  LIBERTY  OUT  OF  DANGER  .......  291 

“peevish  schoolboys,  worthless  OF  SUCH  honor”  .....  292 

“there  is  NOTHING  MEAN  ABOUT  Us”  .......  293 

NAST’s  one  CARTOON  AGAINST  GRANT  ....  ...  2!)4 

“there  it  is  again”  ......  ...  295 

THE  CAP  OF  LABOR  AND  THE  DIVIDED  DOLLAR  ......  295 

THE  HOBBY  IN  THE  KINDERGARTEN  ........  296 


xviii  LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

THE  JIERE  SHADOW  HAS  STILL  SOME  BACKBONE  ......  297 

THE  EIKST  APPEARANCE  OF  THE  REPUBLICAN  ELEPHANT  ...  299 

CAUGHT  IN  A TRAP.  THE  RESULT  OF  THE  THIRD-TERM  HOAX  . . .301 

MAKING  A FUSS  ............  .302 

THE  “funny”  little  BOY  IN  TROUBLE  ......  30.3 

WHY  IT  IS  NOT  PARTISAN  ..........  .30.") 

CAN  A MAN  BE  A NURSE?  ..........  3(K) 

THE  JUBILEE,  1875  ...........  300 

A -MOONSHINE  SCENE  ...........  307 

THE  TRUNK  IN  SIGHT.  FIRST  APPEARANCE  SINCE  THE  FALL  (ELECTIONS)  30K 

ANOTHER  MY.STERIOUS  DISAPPEARANCE  ........  309 

CAPTURED  AT  LAST  (.lUNE  3,  1875)  . . . . . . .311 

AND  THEY  SAY,  “lIE  WANTS  A THIRD  TER.M  ” . ....  . 312 

“l’ho.m.me  ql'i  rit”  ...........  313 

TH.AT  IRREDEE.MABLE  BABY  (fIRST  RAG-BABY)  ......  314 

TAMMA.NY  DOWN  AGAIN  ..........  315 

CALLING  I.N  FRAUDS  ...........  310 

OFF  THE  SCENT  ............  317 

“the  upright  bench,”  WHICH  IS  ABOVE  CRITICISM  .....  317 

OUR  MODERN  MU.M.MY  ...........  318 

BLIGHTING  EFFECT  OF  THE  PRESIDENT’S  MESSAGE  ......  320 

“there’s  some  ill  planet  reigns”  ......  320 

THE  (l).  D.)  FIELD  OF  GOLD,  OR  THE  LION’s  LEGAL  (?)  SHARE  . . . 321 

THEY  BOTH  LIE  TOGETHER  IN  THE  WASHI.NGTON  ARENA  ....  322 

“ a.mnesty”;  or,  the  end  of  the  peaceful  (democratic)  tiger  . . 323 

THE  TIGER  GONE  .MAD  ..........  324 

BELKNAP  ............  325 

HAMILTO.V  FISH  ............  1320 

THE  CROWNING  INSULT  TO  HIM  WHO  OCCUPIES  THE  PRESIDE.NTIAL  CHAIR  327 

THE  “rag”  (baby)  at  THE  .MASTHEAD  .......  328 

THE  “mURDEDED”  RAG-BABY  WILL  NOT  BE  .STILL  ......  329 

GETTING  IN  TUNE  ...........  331 

SAMUEL  J.  TII.DEN  ...........  332 

THE  DEFORMED  TIGER  .SOLVES  THE  PROBLEM  ......  .334 

HE.N  (dricks)  pecked  ..........  335 

TWEED-LE-DEE  A.ND  TILDEN-DUM.  THE  CARTOON  THAT  CAPTURED  TWEI'.D  . .337 

BETWEEN  TWO  FIRES  ...........  .3.38 

C-HA.NGE  POLICT  ............  3.39 

THE  LION-  THE  LAMB  ...........  340 

UNCLE  Sammy’s  bar’l  ..........  341 

A NATIONAL  GAME  THAT  IS  PLAYED  OUT  .......  343 

FIRE  AND  WATER  MAKE  VAPOR  .........  345 

“one  touch  of  nature  makes”  even  henry  WATTER.SON  GIVE  IN  . 345 

“one  good  ‘report’  deserves  another”  .......  340 

A MODERN  DON  tlUIXOTE  ..........  347 

“another  such  VK.TORY  and  I A.M  undone”  . . ...  348 

TICKET  TO  THE  ELECTORAL  COUNTING  ....  ...  349 

h’ai.l  that’s  lect  ...........  353 

‘‘NAY,  PATIENCE,  OR  WE  BREAK  THE  SINEWs”  ......  3.55 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


XIX 


THK  FIRST  ISSUE  OF  “ PUCK  ” 


PEACE  RUMORS 

OUR  PRESENT  ARMY — CAN  IT  HE  CUT  DOWN? 

the  chivalrous  press,  one  might  escape  fire,  hitt 

\ C-ARIC-ATI^RE  P.AINTING  O?'  N.APOLEON  SARON\ 

THE  UNPUBLISHED  CARTOON  OF  MINISTER  LOWELL 
.lAMES  PARTON  . . • ■ 

THOMAS  N.AST,  1H77 
MRS.  NAST,  1877 

PERSONAL  DRAWING  SE.NT  TO  GEORGE  W.  < HILDS 
THE  MILLENNIUM 

THE  CIRCULAR  SENT  TO  THE  .ARMY  .AND  N.AVY  BY  COL.  ( 
THANKSGIVING  ON  THE  OTHER  SIDE— NO.  1 AND  NO.  2 
SAVED  (?)  • ■ ■ ■ 

WAKING  I’P— 1878 
INTO  THE  .LAWS  OF  DEATH 

THE  FIRST  .STEP  TOW.ARD  N.ATION.AL  B.ANKRUPTCY 
TH.AT  DOLLAR 

THE  MANDARIN  IN  THE  SENATE.  . • . ■ 

GIVING  U.  S.  HAIL  COLUMBIA  . . • • 

DANCE  TO  YOUR  DADDY  . • ■ • • 

HARD  TO  PLEASE  THE  “WHITE  TRASH  ” 

AMERICA  ALWAYS  PUTS  HER  OAR  IN 

DE.ATH  IN  THE  TUNNEL  . . . . • 

OUR  ARMY  AND  NAVY — AS  IT  WILL  BE  . 

IT  IS  EVER  THUS  WITH  ARBITRATORS 

Bismarck’s  “ a?ter  dinner”  speech  . 

LIGHT  SUMMER  READING  . ■ • • 

A BIT  OF  WORK  .lUST  FROM  THE  POTTER 
VERY  SOCIAL 

AN  .APPE.AL  TO  M.ARBLE  . . ■ ■ ■ 

CIPHER  MUMM(ER)Y  . . • • • • 

THE  OPENING  OF  CONGRES.S  , . . . • 

OUR  P.ATIENT  ARTIST  ..•••■ 

THE  LONE  FISHERMAN  (FROM  M.A.SS.) 

NO  MORE  OUTBREAKS  . . ■ • • 

THE  .ARMY  .AND  N.AVA'  TESTIMONI.AL 
DIF?'ICULT  PROBLEMS  SOLVTNG  THEMSELVES 
EDUCATION.  IS  THERE  NO  MIDDLFI  COURSE? 

GENERAL  BUTLER  AS  THE  WIDOW  OF  MANY  PARTIES 
THE  CIVILIZATION  OF  BLAINE  . ■ • 

THE  QUESTION  A?TER  THE  .NEW  YORK  ELECTION 

“come  into  my  parlor”  • ■ • 

BORROWED  PLUMES — MR.  J.ACKDAW  CONKLING 
STRANGER  THINGS  HAVE  HAPPENED 

THE  INVASION  OF  INDIANA  . . . • • 

GREENBACK  THE  WEAVER  . . • • • 

WHO.a! GREFINBACK  THE  WE.AVER 


'Y  V 


HENRY 


PAKF. 

357 

35!) 

300 

.301 

302 

303 

304 

305 
305 
307 

371 

372 

373 
.374 
375 
377 
37!) 
381 

382 

383 

384 

385 
385 
380 
380 

387 

388 
38!) 
.3!)0 
3!)3 
3!)7 
401 
403 
405 
400 
407 
40!) 

410 

411 

412 

413 

414 

415 
410 
41!) 

421 

422 

423 

424 


THE  OUTLOOK 


XX 


LIST  OF  ILLUSriUTWNS 


PAGE 

THE  STATESMAN  AT  HOME  ..........  426 

IT  IS  WHISPERED  AGAI.N  TH.AT  TILDEN  HAS  GIVEN  IN  ....  . 4.‘^1 

room!!! — .so  NEAR,  AND  y?;t  so  far  ........  4.'?:} 

NAST  CARTOONED  RY  PUCK  IN  1880  ........  4.84 

GENERAL  HANCOI'K  AND  GENERAL  VACANCY  .......  4.8') 

THE  EMPTY  PAIL  ...........  4.86 

THE  REPIIRLICAN  PACHYDERM  ALIVE  AND  KICKING  ......  4.87 

"who  IS  Tariff,  and  why  is  hr.  for  revenue  onb/f"  .....  4.88 

THE  DKMOCR.ATIC  PARTY  SHOULD  RETAIN  THE  ORG ANIZ.ATION  ....  43!) 

NO  CHANGE  IS  NECESSARY,  GENERAL  HANCOCK  ......  440 

PEACEFUL  NEUTRALITY  . . . . . 442 

HOW  THEY  E.XPECT  TO  GET  ON  A SOUND  FOOTING  ......  44.8 

GIVE  THE  RED  MAN  A CHANCE  .........  443 

NEW  YORK  IN  A FEW  YEARS  FRO.M  NOW  ........  444 

“das  DEI'TSCHE  VATERLAND”  is  AROVE  CRITICISM  ......  444 

LET  HIM  ALONE,  NOW  HE’s  COME  HOME  .......  44.8 

THE  SPOIL-ED  ............  447 

THE  LOST  HEAD  ............  448 

out-“shlning”  everyrody  in  humili.ation  at  alrany  ....  449 

A ITER  ALL  .........  . 4.81 

LIVE  AND  LET  LIVE  I.N  RU.SSIA RARNUM  AND  .lUMRO  .....  4.82 

THE  yuEEN  OF  indu.stry;  or  the  new  south  ......  4.83 

THE  “tall  sycamore”  HANDLING  THE  RRITISH  LIO.N  . 4.8.8 

GIUSEPPE  GARIRALDi;  DIED  AT  CAPRERA,  JU.NE  2,  1882  ....  4.87 

MIGHT  .MAKES  RIGHT  ...........  4.88 

AN  I.NSIDE  VIEW  ...........  4.89 

EXPECTED  news:  THEY  WILL  ROTH  RE  SORRY  ......  4.8!) 

THE  NEW  ANGELIC  FLYING  .MACHINE  .......  460 

DEEP  DIPLOMACY  .461 

THE  CURIOUS  EFFEIT  OF  CLEAN  LINEN  UPON  THE  DEMOCR.ATIC  PARTY  . . 462 

EGYIT’s  present  from  GLADSTONE  ........  462 

NEW  year’s  jump  WITH  HOPE  WINS  AGAI.N  .......  463 

PLUCKED  TURKEY  ...........  464 

regri;ts  from  samrourne  .........  467 

A CORNER  IN  THE  NA.ST  PARLOR  .........  46!) 

A CORNER  I.N  THE  NAST  DRAWING-ROOM  . . . . . . .471 

THE  SACRED  ELEPHANT  ..........  -17.8 

“’tis  true,  ’tis  pity,  and  pity  ’tis,  ’tis  true”  .....  477 

“rLAINE  leans  towards  LOGAN  ” .....  478 

GOVERNOR  CI.F;VELAND  and  THEODORE  ROOSEVELT  .AT  THEIR  GOOD  WORK  479 

FROM  RAD  TO  WORSE  . .........  482 

INDIAN  OUTRAGES  ...........  483 

RAC-CHUS  DROAVNS  MORE  THAN  NEPTUNE  .......  483 

THE  TAPE  THAT  ENTANGLES  ROTH  LARGE  AND  S.MALL  .....  484 

THE  GRE.AT  CANVASSER  ..........  488 

SEN.ATORS  HOAR  AND  HAWLEY  ACCEI>T  RLAINE  ......  488 

TOO  HE.AVY  TO  CARRY  . ......  493 

TICKET  TO  THE  FIRST  INDEPENDENT  .MEETING  IN  NEW  YORK  ....  494 

DEATH  BEFORE  DISHONOR  ..........  49.8 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTUATIOSS  xxi 

I’AIJK 

MAKI.N'tJ  THK  BK.ST  OK  IT  . 1!»7 

SUCCESSFUL  CANI)IUATf;S  HAVE  ALWAYS  STOPPED  AT  THE  FlITH  AVENUE  HOTEL  400 
TUOTTINO  OUT  THE  CAMPAKiN  LIES  ........  ,")()() 

“OUK  FUIENDS,  THE  ENEMY  ” .........  5():i 

AT  HIS  OLD  THICKS  AGAIN  OUT  WE.ST  ........  .')().") 

THE  BLAINE  TARIFF  FRAUD  ..........  .')()() 

“the  foremost  MAN  OF  THE  TIMe”  ........  .507 

THE  QUESTIO.N  DECIDED  ON  ELECTION  DAY  .......  .50S 

A GENTLE  HINT  TO  THE  OFFICE-SEEKERS  . . . . . . .514 

“TAM.MANY  hall  is  going  to  THE  INAUGURATION’’  .....  .510 

THAT  EVERLASTING  HUNGRY  WAIL  . . . . . . .518 

AFTER  THE  NEW  YORK  ELECTION  .........  510 

“slam-bang!”  ............  510 

THE  SPIRIT  OF  TWEED  IS  MIGHTY  STILL  .......  520 

BOTH  ............  521 

LAID  AT  HIS  DOOR  ...........  522 

WH.AT’s  in  A NAME?  ...........  523 

LIBERTY  IS  NOT  ANARCHY  ..........  525 

“ ’twaS  THE  NIGHT  BEFORE  CH RLST.M  AS  ” .......  527 

“baby”  tabor AS  THE  CHRISTKIND  ........  531 

MT.  NA.ST,  ON  THE  CXILORADO  MIDLAND  RAILROAD  ......  533 

CHAUNCEY  DEPEW  AS  A .TESTER  .........  530 

A CARTOON  FROM  NAST’s  WEEKLY  ........  .530 

MR.  M.KINLEY  AFTER  HARRISON’s  DEFEAT  IN  1802  .....  .540 

RICHARD  CROKER  AT  A STAND.STILL  . . . . . . .541 

A BREEZE  FROM  THE  WE.ST  ..........  542 

MARCH  .............  543 

MR.  KIPLING  ON  THE  STEAMER,  1894  ........  54.5 

PEACE  IN  UNION.  THE  SURRENDER  AT  APPOMATTOX,  APRIL  0,  1805  . . 546 

WILLIAM  E.  BURTON  AS  “TOODLES”  ........  548 

THOMAS  NAST,  1895  ...........  549 

NA.ST  ACCEPTS  AN  INVIT.ATION  FROM  CHARLFTS  HARVFTY  GENUNG  . . . .550 

“the  LANDING  OF  A ‘FATHER’”  .........  551 

A WARM  DAY'  IN  MORRISTOWN  .........  551 

AN  ACCEPTANCE  OF  A MILITARY  INVIT.ATION  .......  552 

WHEN  REFERRED  TO  AS  “tHE  L.ATE  THOMAS  NAST  ” .....  5.53 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT,  CAPT.  Slocum’s  “sailing  alone  AROUND  THE  world”  . . 554 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT  OF  A NAVAL  HAT  ........  554 

AN  APPLIC.ATION  FOR  ADOPTION  .........  555 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT  ON  RECEIPT  OF  “THE  BREAD  LINE”  .....  5.55 

ON  RECEIPT  OF  AN  IMPORTANT  CLIPPING  ........  5.56 

ON  RECEIPT  OF  A VERY'  LARGE  PICTTURE  ........  5.56 

HIS  NOTICE  TO  SECRETARY  HAY  .........  557 

THE  HOUR  OF  SURRENDER  ..........  559 

THE  FINAL  PROPHETIC  GOOD-BY'E  .........  560 

EIGHT  PE.N  SKETCHES  FRO.M  GUAYAQUIL  .......  562-570 

THE  VACANT  DESK  AT  MORRISTOWN  ........  573 

ORIGINAL  STUDY  FOR  “tHE  IM.MORTAL  LIGHT  OF  GE.NIUs”  ....  580 

A SKETCH  FOUND  I.N  NAST’s  DESK  AT  MORRLSTOWN  .....  583 


Ills  PEKIOD  AND  IIIS  PICTURES 

A WOlJl)  OF  INTRODUCTION 

It  is  nearly  forty  years  ago  tliat  a boy  of  five,  whose  home 
was  a square,  white  farm-house  on  one  of  the  big  bleak  prairies 
of  the  middle  West,  was  lying  flat  on  the  rag  carjiet  before  the 
open  wood-fire,  ])oring  over  a wonderful  double-page  picture  in 
Harper’s  Weekly. 

It  was  really  a combination  of  several  pictures,  each  of  which 
depicted  some  important  scene  in  the  daily  life  of  the  meny  old 
fellow  whose  home  is  at  the  North  Pole,  and  who  toils  busily  all 
the  year  through  that  good  children  everywhere  may  be  made 
happy  on  Christmas  Day.  The  little  boy  had  the  firmest  faith 
in  Santa  Claus,  and  this  picture,  coming  as  it  did  just  before  the 
bolidaj's,  was  of  immense  value. 

There  was  the  interior  of  Santa  Claus’s  shop,  with  the  old 
chap  busily  at  work  and  about  him  a number  of  finished  toys. 
The  little  boy  had  tried  to  imagine  this  scene.  Now  here  it  was, 
all  truly  set  down,  and  he  found  a deep  and  lingering  joy  in 
wondering  which  of  the  articles  might  be  intended  for  him.  Then 
he  looked  at  the  other  pictures— the  one  where  Santa  Claus  is 
starting  off  with  his  loaded  sleigh— another  where  he  is  filling 


THOMAS  XAST 


the  stockings,  and  still  another— perhaps  the  most  valuable  of 
all  — Santa  Clans  leaning  over  a high  l)attlenient  of  his  icy  home, 
sweeping  the  world  below  Avith  a long  spy-glass. 

The  l)oy  knew  about  spy-glasses,  and  he  understood  now  how 
it  was  that  Santa  Claus  could  tell  the  good  children  from  tlie 
l)ad.  Just  opposite,  there  was  a companioii  picture  which 
showed  Santa  Claus  looking  thi’ough  a huge  book  wherein  tlie 
names  of  all  the  children  are  ke])t,  Avith  good  and  l)ad  marks 
carefully  set  down.  The  boy  could  not  I’ead,  but  his  mother  liad 
assured  him  that  liis  name  did  not  appear.  Pei-ha])s  it  AA’ould  l)e 
on  the  next  leaf,  lie  tried  to  lift  the  edge  of  the  ))ictui-ed  page 
with  a jhii.  It  AA’as  no  ;we.  He  turned  the  paj)er  over  and 
looked  through  from  the  other  side.  Then  once  more  he  spread 
tlie  ipaper  liefore  the  tire  that  shone  liright  in  the  dim  win- 
ter afternoon,  and  forgot  eA'erytliing  else  in  the  world  in 
them.  Indeed,  he  scarcely  realized  that  they  Avere  merely 
jiictures.  The  Santa  C^laus  they  presented  henceforth  became  his 
Santa  Claus  through  all  the  coming  years. 

One  remains  a little  boy  such  a brief  time.  Santa  Claus 
becomes  careless  as  AA’e  grow  older,  and  the  ])icture,  though  never 
forgotten,  was  laid  aAvay.  The  boy  became  interested  in  otliei- 
things,  eA’en  in  jiolitics,  or  at  least  in  such  politics  as  caused  him 
to  hurrah  Avildly  for  Grant  and  Colfax  AAdien  a schoolmate  sent 
up  a shout  for  Seymour  and  Blair.  Also,  he  found  neAV  iileasure 
in  the  pages  of  Ilarjier’s  Weekly,  for  there  Avere  humorous  pict- 
ures of  these  and  other  public  men  Avhich  his  father  helped  him 
to  identify  when  they  looked  through  the  pajAer  together. 

And  by  and  by  some  of  the  jiictured  men  were  eA'il-doers  who 
needed  punishment  and  (jiiite  often  Avere  getting  it.  The  boy 
and  his  father  laughed  together  at  the  mishaps  of  these  wicked 
ones,  and  the  boy  learned  that  the  caricature  i)ictures  which  he 
could  tell  as  far  as  he  could  sec  them,  and  recognize  the  different 
laces,  Avere  the  Avoi-k  of  a Avonderful  artist— the  great  cartoonist. 


DOI  BI.E  PAGE  CHRISTMAS  PICTURE  OF  18G6 


4 


THOMAS  NAST 


Thomas  Xast.  He  still  remembered  the  Santa  Claus  picture, 
long  before  laid  away,  but  he  never  connected  it  with  these— 
never  in  any  way  associated  it  with  them  for  thirty-five  years. 

At  the  Players’  Club  of  New  York,  in  the  corner  next  the  din- 
ing-room, the  old  cartoonist,  whose  years  were  so  nearly  ended, 
and  the  writer,  who  had  once  been  a boy  on  the  prairies  of  the 
middle  AVest,  sat  discussing  an  unwritten  book  whose  purpose 
was  to  tell  the  story  of  Thomas  Nast. 

“ I was  brought  up  on  your  pictures,”  the  writer  said.  “ I 
would  undertake  the  work  gladly,  if  you  think  I am  qualified.” 

"We  considered  the  possible  qualifications  of  one  whose  early 
])oint  of  view  and  politics  had  been  shaped  by  those  pictures. 
Presently  Xast  said,  thoughtfully: 

“ If  we  do  this  thing,  I should  like  to  put  in  some  of  my  Santa 
Claus  pictures.” 

“ Your  Santa  Claus  pictures!  I didn’t  know — ” And  then, 
all  at  once,  I did  know,  for  the  years  had  rolled  backward  and 
there  rose  before  me  the  old  farm-house,  with  its  rag  carpet,  its 
open  fire  and  the  boy  lying  flat  before  it,  poring  over  the  pages 
of  Harper’s  Weekly.  ” Do  you  mean  to  say  that  away  back  in 
the  sixties  you  did  a double-page  in  a Christmas  Harper,  entitled 
“ Santa  Claus  and  His  Works!  ” I asked,  “ and  that  it  showed 
Santa  Claus  in  his  shop,  and  on  the  top  of  his  ice-palace  with  a 
spy-glass?  ” 

“ AVhy,  yes,”  he  said.  “ Of  course  I did!  ” 

Then  I told  him  what  that  picture  had  meant  to  me.  “ And  I 
will  do  the  book.”  I said,  “ if  you  will  let  me.  It  shall  be  the 
story  of  your  work  by  one  who  was  brought  up  on  it,  and  that 
the  reader  may  better  understand,  I will  introduce  it  with  that 
farm  boy  poring  over  the  Christmas  Harper,  before  the  open 
fire.  ’ ’ 


ALBERT  BIGELOW  PAINE. 


PART  UXE:  THE  POVELi 

CHAPTER  I 

A LITTLE  LAD  OF  LANDAU 

In  Germany  it  is  the  stork  that  brings  the  babies,  and  it  was 
on  the  27th  of  September,  in  the  year  1840,  that  the  stork  visited 
the  militaiy  baiTacks  of  Landau,  a little  fortified  town  near  Al- 
sace, and  left  in  the  Nast  household  a veiy  small  baby  boy,  who 
was  called  Thomas.  The  family  was  not  a large  one.  There  was 
only  an  older  sister,  and  the  mother  and  father— the  latter  a 
gentle-hearted,  outspoken  German  musician,  who  played  the 
trombone  in  the  Ninth  Regiment  Bavarian  Band. 

It  was  not  often  that  babies  came  to  the  Landau  barracks. 
The  soldiers  found  many  excuses  for  seeing  this  one,  and  as  the 
little  fellow  grew  older  and  gained  daily  in  size  and  wisdom,  they 
made  him  their  pet.  Presently,  in  the  field  back  of  the  barracks 
he  was  playing  “ soldier  a game  in  which  he  was  always 
“ captain,”  and  the  Commandant  confided  to  a proud  mother 
that  little  Thomas,  with  that  head  of  his,  certainly  would  become 
nothing  short  of  a general  officer.  Prophecy  could  go  no  further 
in  Landau.  Even  the  most  gracious  of  commandants  could  not 
foresee  that  the  “ little  captain,”  with  that  head  of  his,  was  one 
day  to  attain  a rank  which  generals  would  regard  with  awe — 
to  which  presidents  and  kings  might  yield  their  homage. 

He  was  to  suffer  a defeat,  however,  in  this  early  time.  Among 
the  sheep  that  used  to  feed  behind  the  barracks  was  a pet  lamb 


n 


THOMAS  XAST 


that  had  sprouted  a i>air  of  lioriis— also,  a desire  to  use  them. 
Little  Thomas  had  iiui-tured  and  fostered  this  laud)  as  Ids  own. 
Now,  all  at  once,  it  became  ungrateful,  and  charged  and  pursued 
its  benefactor,  much  to  the  entertainment  of  his  soldier  friends. 
It  was  an  early  lesson  in  misplaced  confidence. 

lie  accpiired  other  impressions,  some  of  which  were  to  linger 
and  perhaps  color  the  coming  years.  On  Sunday  afternoons  he 
used  to  walk  with  his  mother  and  sister  past  a triangle  called 
the  “ Napoleon  Hat  ” to  a little  graveyard  where  his  two 
brothers  lay  buried.  Box  grew  about  these  graves,  and  its  faint 
odor  was  ever  afterward  associated  with  the  scene. 

His  early  religious  impressions  were  confusing.  There  were 
both  Protestants  and  Catholics  in  Landau,  and  once  at  a Catholic 
church  he  saAV  two  little  girls  hustled  out  rather  roughly  for 
repeating  some  Protestant  prayers.  The  incident  disturbed  him 
deeply.  He  resented  the  treatment  of  these  little  girls.  It  may 
have  marked  the  beginning  of  a bitteniess  which  long  after  was 
to  mature  in  those  relentless  attacks  upon  bigotry  which  won  for 
him  the  detestation,  if  not  the  fear,  of  Pope  and  priest. 

But  on  Christmas  Eve,  to  Protestant  and  Catholic  alike,  came 
the  German  Santa  Claus,  Pelze-Nicol,  leading  a child  dressed  as 
the  C’hristkind,  and  distributing  toys  and  cakes,  or  switches, 
according  as  the  parents  made  reiiort.  It  was  this  Pelze-Nicol— 
a fat,  fur-clad,  bearded  old  fellow,  at  whose  hands  he  doubtless 
received  many  benefits— that  the  boy  in  later  years  was  to  pre- 
sent to  us  as  his  conception  of  the  true  Santa  Claus— a pictorial 
type  which  shall  long  endure 

'With  his  father,  when  the  regiment  band  made  music  for  the 
local  theatre,  he  attended  plays,  mostly  of  a military  char- 
acter and  strongly  French  in  sentiment.  His  favorite  play  was 
“ A Daughter  of  the  Pegiment,”  whose  dashing  followers  had 
borrowed  the  musicians’  hats  to  com])lete  their  costumes. 

It  is  l)ut  natural  that  the  boy’s  earliest  art  impidses  should 


A LITTLE  LAD  OF  LANDAU 


7 


liave  been  of  a military  nature.  Everywhere  were  tlie  soldiers, 
and  suc'h  pictures  as  he  saw  were  either  portraits  of  the  nation’s 
heroes  or  scenes  of  war.  In  his  own  home  hung  prints  of  the 
]\ing  and  Queen,  while  in  the  parlor  of  an  aunt  there  was  an 
engraving  of  Napoleon’s  tomb  and  another  of  “ AVho  Goes 
There?  ” in  which  Napoleon  finds  one  of  his  pickets  asleep.  It 
was  not  long  until  the  boy’s  nimble  fingers  began  to  give  expres- 
sion to  something  of  what  he  saw.  He  fashioned  little  soldiers 
—not  with  pencil  or  brush,  but  of  beeswax— perhaps  from  his 
mother’s  work-basket  — and  these  he  pressed  against  the  window 
panes.  They  attracted  the  attention  of  some  ladies  who  often 
looked  from  the  upper  windows  across  the  way,  and  the  young 
modeller  received  his  first  reward  in  the  form  of  cookies— brown 
cookies  with  holes  in  them— lowered  to  him  at  the  end  of  a 
string. 

But  now  came  a sudden  change  in  the  affairs  of  the  Nast 
household.  The  German  revolution  was  brewing.  Europe  was 
in  a turmoil.  The  elder  Nast,  though  far  from  being  a disturber, 
was  a man  of  convictions  which  he  took  little  pains  to  conceal. 
Some  of  his  sentiments  were  not  in  accord  with  the  existing 
Government.  Called  aside  one  day  by  the  friendly  Commandant, 
he  was  advised  that  America  was  really  the  proper  place  for  a 
man  so  fond  of  free  speech.  He  took  his  departure  from  Landau, 
to  join  a French  man-o’-war.  Later  he  enlisted  on  an  American 
vessel. 

The  family  remained  for  a brief  time  in  the  old  place.  Then, 
presently,  they,  too,  made  ready  to  go.  They  would  sail  for 
New  York,  to  be  joined  there  when  the  father’s  enlistment  had 
expired.  They  left  Landau  by  diligence  for  Paris  in  the  summer 
of  1846,  probably  in  June,  as  the  child  noticed  fireflies  about 
their  door  for  the  first  time  on  the  night  of  their  departure. 
Now  and  then  a iirelly  soared  high  into  the  zenith.  They  were 
the  shells  of  military  practice, 


8 


THOMAS  NAST 


The  journey  to  Paris  was  a rare  joy  to  the  Nast  children. 
There  was  the  ever-changing  scenery— Strasburg  with  its  won- 
derful clock— inns  and  villages  where  refreshments  were  to  be 
had.  Then  came  Paris,  and  some  friends  who  took  them  to 
see  the  sights. 

Three  lasting  impressions  remained  to  the  little  boy  from  this 
wonderful  journey.  The  first  was  the  distinctly  different  odors 
of  the  various  cities.  The  second  was  the  vastness  of  the  Notre 
Dame  Cathedral.  The  third  and  best  of  all  was  the  memory 
of  some  daintily  dressed  little  Parisians,  who  were  sailing  toy 
boats  such  as  he  had  never  seen  in  Landau.  Then  came  Havre, 
where,  with  a cousin,  they  took  passage  for  New  York  in  a 
beautiful  American  brig. 

Their  stateroom  was  near  the  captain’s,  and  the  captain’s 
wife,  who  was  aboard,  became  friendly  with  the  little  Bavarian 
and  doctored  him  during  a brief  illness  with  wine  and  quinine. 
When  America  was  almost  in  sight  a great  stonn  arose.  The 
sea  darkened.  The  vessel  rolled  and  pitched— the  cordage 
screamed  in  the  gale.  The  little  German  boy  saw  the  American 
captain’s  wife  at  her  prayers  and  followed  her  example  in  his 
own  tongue.  Next  morning  all  was  clear  again.  The  brig  had 
been  little  damaged,  though  other  vessels  in  sight  had  lost 
masts  and  rigging.  By  evening  the  sea  was  calm  and  beautiful. 
Coming  up  the  Narrows,  the  sceneiy  on  either  side  made  an- 
other deep  and  enduring  impression  on  the  lad  of  six,  who  now 
for  the  first  time  announced  himself  as  glad  he  had  come.  Well 
he  might  have  been,  for  he  was  entering  the  world  which  he 
was  to  conquer,  in  his  own  good  time  and  way. 


CHAPTER  II 

A NEW  LAND  AND  A NEW  LIFE 

They  took  up  their  residence  in 
(ireenwich  Street,  then  a neighbor- 
hood of  respectal)le  dwellings.  There 
was  a school  near  by,  to  which  the 
little  l)oy,  who  could  not  speak  a 
word  of  English,  was  sent. 

It  was  all  foreign  and  strange  to 
him  on  that  first  moniing,  and  he  did 
not  know  where  to  go.  Mischievous 
children  directed  him  here  and  there. 
One  rogue  of  a hoy  i)ointed  to  a 
line  that  seemed  to  be  some  sort  of  a class,  and  the  little  Ger- 
man lad  took  his  place  in  it.  Those  were  the  old  days  of  rod 
and  ruler,  and  this  was  the  line  marked  for  punishment.  The 
sharp-faced  woman  principal  entered  a moment  later  to  perform 
her  duty.  She  could  not  understand  German,  and  tlie  little  boy’s 
fervid  explanation  in  that  tongue  was  of  no  avail.  He  hurried 
home  at  recess  and  refused  to  return  to  a school  where  the  first 
lesson  was  applied  to  the  patch  on  a little  boy’s  trousers.  His 
mother  tried  to  explain  that  a mistake  had  been  made.  It  was 
no  use.  He  had  tried  to  explain  that,  himself.  He  preferred 
not  to  risk  another  mistake— at  least  not  in  the  same  spot. 


THE  ORKJI.NAL  OF  THE  TAMMANY 
TIGEH. 

Loaned  by  W.  C.  Montanye 


10 


THOMAS  XAST 


Ills  second  American  experience  was  hardly  less  discourag- 
ing. It  took  place  next  morning  when  he  was  strolling  down 
Greenwich  Street,  enjoying  the  sights  of  the  new  world.  Sud- 
denly, from  a cellar  directly  in  front  of  him,  there  leaped  a 
rude  boy  wearing  a tireman’s  hat,  and  Avith  a long  trumpet, 
upon  Avhich  he  hlcAV  a blast  that  carried  terror  to  the  heart  and 
flight  to  the  heels  of  the  small  Ihuairian. 

Ilis  mother  soon  remoA’ed  her  little  family  to  the  (juiet  neigh- 
borhood of  William  Street,  near  Frankfort.  But  the  house  was 
said  to  be  haunted.  Some  former  occui)ant  aauis  belieA'ed  to 
liaAm  acquired  the  habit  of  AA'alking  about  at  night,  between 
tAA’chm  and  one  o’clock,  and  these  were  not  peaceful  hours  for 
a little  lad  who  happened  to  be  uAA’ake.  Altogether  he  became 
less  sure  that  he  Avas  glad  they  had  come  to  this  land  of  unusual 
things. 

Yet  there  AA’ere  conq)ensations.  Next  door  to  the  haunted 
William  Street  house  aa'us  a man  aa'Iio  made  crayon  sticks  for 
artists.  Often  there  AA^ere  faulty  ones,  and  these  ho  gaA-e  to  the 
little  Xast  boAq  who  took  them  to  school — a new  school,  where 
German  aaxus  a circulating  medium— and  drew  pictures  for  the 
other  pupils.  One  of  these— a picture  of  an  African  capturing 
a lion — excited  their  admiration.  Also,  perhaps,  their  envy, 
for  a larger  boy,  seizing  the  slate,  hurried  with  it  to  the  teacher. 
It  was  expected  that  punishment  would  fall  on  the  young  artist’s 
head.  Instead  of  which,  there  were  laurels  of  praise.  The  little 
lad  of  Landau,  aa'Iio  Avas  one  day  to  destroy  evil-doers  and  make 
]n*esidents,  had  Avon  his  first  triumph  in  the  Ncav  AVorld. 

Ilis  second  conquest  came  a feAA’  days  later,  at  the  same  school. 
A big  boy— perhai)S  the  one  who  had  exhibited  his  drawing— 
was  in  the  habit  of  imposing  upon  him  at  play-time.  The 
little  Nast  boy  endured  this  for  a season.  Then,  one  day,  he 
suddenly  turned  u])on  his  tormentor  AA’ith  such  fury  and  Adolenco 
that  it  was  found  necessary  to  rescue  the  big  screaming  bully 


A XFAV  LAND  AND  A NIAf  LIFE 


11 


to  save  Ills  life.  The  little  boy  -was  not  molested  again.  In- 
deed, ho  became  something  of  a hero,  and  decided  that  perhaps 
America  was  not  such  a bad  place  as  he  had  at  first  thought. 

lie  found  a great  joy  in  running  to  fires.  In  Landau  he  had 
never  seen  a fire,  except  once  when  the  coal  yard  had  smoked 
a little  and  the  regiment  had  paraded  with  beating  drums,  as  if 
the  world  were  coming  to  an  end.  Now,  there  were  fires  almost 
daily.  The  little  boy  was  at  first  terrified,  then  fascinated.  He 
made  a fire  engine  of  his  own  and  became  chief  of  the  crew. 
Less  than  a dozen  blocks  away  the  Big  Six— the  fire  company 
of  which  big  Bill  Tweed  was  chief— had  its  lieadcpiarters.  On 
the  engine  of  the  Big  Six  was  painted  a tiger’s  head— a front 
view  with  fierce  distended  jaws,  reproduced  from  a French  litho- 
graph, a copy  of  which  hung  in  an  art  store  on  the  northeast 
corner  of  James  and  Madison  Streets.*  The  boy  Nast  used  to 
regard  this  tiger’s  head,  as  it  appeared  in  the  lithograph  and 
upon  the  engine  of  the  Big  Six,  with  admiration  and  awe.  Little 
could  he  guess  then  what  use  he  would  make  of  that  sinister 
emblem  in  later  days.  For  it  was  the  Big  Six  tiger  that  was  to 
go  with  Tweed  into  Tammany  Hall,  and  it  was  Thomas  Nast, 
the  man  and  cartoonist,  who  was  first  to  emblazon  it  as  the 
symbol  of  rapacious  plunder  and  of  civic  shame. 

But  in  that  long  ago  time,  the  Big  Six  boys  with  tneir  pol- 
ished engine  and  glaring  tiger  meant  only  excitement  and  joy. 
He  pursued  them  when  fires  broke  out — running  and  shouting 
with  a crowd  of  other  boys  that  mingled  with  a tangle  of  fright- 
ened teams  and  a score  of  yelping  curs.  The  Big  Eight,  a hated 
rival,  also  had  headquarters  not  far  awajq  and  sometimes  it 
happened  that  the  two  companies  would  forget  the  fire  to  en- 
gage in  a bloody  conflict  in  the  public  streets.  AYhatever  may 

* Tlip  liPiul  on  llip  engine  is  believed  to  liave  been  netually  jiainted  from  another 
copy  of  tliis  tiger  litliograpli,  borrowed  by  Tweed  from  the  father  of  W.  C.  Mon- 
lanye,  in  wliose  possession  tlie  picture  still  remains.  (See  page  9.) 


12 


THOMAS  NAST 


be  the  present  conditions,  New  York  in  those  days  was  hardly 
a model  of  law  and  order  and  good  government.  The  Macready 
and  Forrest  riot,  perhaps  the  most  remarkable  event  in  all 
dramatic  history— a city  plunged  into  lawless  bloodshed  be- 
cause of  a jealousy  between  two  actors— took  place  at  this 
period,  an  episode  which  the  little  boy,  now  nine  and  accus- 
tomed to  scenes  of  carnage,  both  witnessed  and  enjoyed.  He 
also  saw  the  burning  of  the  old  Park  Theatre— on  Park  Eow 
opposite  the  present  post-office— a fine  big  fire  from  which  only 
a wooden  statue  of  Shakespeare  suiwived. 

And  all  the  time  he  drew— anything  and  everything.  His 
desk  at  school  was  full  of  his  efforts,  and  the  walls  of  the  haunted 
house  on  William  Street  were  decorated  with  his  masterpieces. 
It  may  have  been  for  this  reason  that  the  ghost  gave  up  its 
nightly  rambles. 

Sometimes  his  love  of  art  led  him  into  difficulties.  A 
l)Oster  on  a dead-wall,  at  the  corner  of  Houston  and  Eldridge 
Streets,  attracted  his  attention  one  (]uiet  Sunday  morn- 
ing, when  his  mother  and  other  good  people  were  at  services. 
It  was  a picture  of  a beautiful  full-rigged  ship,  and  he  wished 
to  draw  it.  He  cut  it  out  with  his  knife,  though  not  before  a 
big  policeman  had  slipped  across  the  street  and  seized  him 
quite  suddenly  from  behind.  But  the  young  artist  was  versa- 
tile. He  voiced  a yell  that  rent  the  Sabbath  stillness  and  caused 
the  terrified  policeman  to  drop  him  hastily.  The  captain  of 
the  district  appeared  on  the  scene,  also  the  landlord  of  the 
haunted  house,  who  interceded  for  the  youthful  draftsman.  The 
incident  closed  with  a lecture  from  the  captain  on  the  evil  of 
over-enthusiasm,  even  in  art. 

But  now  a very  impoHant  thing  happened.  This  was  noth- 
ing less  than  the  arrival  of  the  elder  Nast,  whose  term  of  en- 
listment had  ended.  His  coming  had  been  announced  by  a 
comrade,  and  great  excitement  immediately  ensued.  The  little 


I AEff  LAND  AM)  A XEff  LIFE 


IH 

boy  was  despatched  hastily  to  the  corner  bakery  to  buy  an 
extra  large  pfann-kncben  for  the  great  occasion.  Returning, 
lie  was  passed  by  a closed  cab  which  suddenly  stopped.  Then 
a man  leaped  out  and,  seizing  him,  thrust  him  quickly  inside. 
The  little  boy  thought  he  was  kidnapped,  but  an  instant  later 
found  himself  in  his  father’s  arms,  with  the  precious  big 
pfann-kuchen  being  crushed  between  them.  Of  course  he  was 
happy,  but  the  prospect  of  his  mother’s  grief  at  sight  of  the 
ruined  cake  saddened  him.  However,  the  cake  did  not  prove 
a total  loss.  Its  slight  damage  was  quickly  forgotten  in  the  joy 
of  treasures  from  afar,  and  in  listening  to  the  father’s  tales 
of  travels  in  many  lands.  This  was  in  1850,  when  young  Thomas 
was  ten  years  old. 

Nast  senior  was  a skilled  musician  and  a man  to  make  friends. 
He  became  a member  of  the  Philhannonic  Society,  and  of  the 
band  at  Burton’s  Theatre  in  Chambers  Street.  To  the  latter 
place,  Nast  junior  often  accompanied  him— sitting,  as  he  had 
done  in  the  little  theatre  of  Landau,  in  a special  seat  in  the 


A SCE.VE  FUOM  “ TWELFTH  NIGHT,”  DRAWN  ABOUT  1853  4 


14 


THOMAS  XAST 


orcliestra— storing  nieinorios  and  often  making  crude  sketches 
of  Burton  and  other  popular  actors  of  that  time.  It  was  from 
these  sketches  and  memories  that  fifty  years  later  he  painted 
the  fine  character  porti'ait  of  Jlurton  which  hangs  in  the  Play- 
ers’ Club  to-day.  Frecpiently  he  carried  his  father’s  big  trom- 
bone to  the  theatre,  and  this  was  a privilege,  as  it  entitled  him 
to  remain  to  the  performance.  Lester  Wallack,  ^Ir.  and  i\Irs. 
l>oucicault,  Charlotte  Cushman,  Placide,  Ceorge  Holland— these 
were  among  his  favorites  of  those  days.  At  Castle  Harden  he 
heard  denny  land.  The  hoy  saw  and  sketched  them  all  in  his 
untrained  way,  and  the  inlluence  of  those  early  efforts  and  sui’- 
roundings  was  continually  cro])])ing  out  in  the  great  work  of 
after  years. 

AVhen  young  Thomas  Nast  was  about  thirteen  years  old,  a 
number  of  foi'eign  military  celebrities  came  to  New  York  City. 
Europe  was  still  disturbed  and  their  recent  enterj)rises  there 
had  become  unjiopular.  Kossuth  was  one  of  those  visitors,  and 
(laribaldi,  whom,  a few  years  later,  the  boy  would  join  in  his 
grand  march  from  iMarsala  to  Naples,  but  who  now  was  igno- 
miniously  making  tallow  candles  on  Staten  Island.  The  young 
artist  had  heard  something  of  these  heroes  and  their  struggles 
for  freedom.  Y’itb  his  father,  he  saw  Kossuth  in  a ])arade,  after 
which  he  wore  a Kossuth  hat  and  drew  ])ictures  of  the  dilTerent 
exiled  noblemen.  One  picture  of  Kossuth  — a copy  from  Glee- 
son’s  Pictorial,  with  a rising  sun  marked  “ Hungary  ” in  the 
backgi'ound — was  ])raised  and  fi'amed  by  the  school-teacher  and 
hung  by  the  principal’s  desk.  This  school,  it  may  l)e  said,  was 
on  Chrystie  Street,  near  Hester— a most  respectable  neighbor- 
hood at  that  time.  A little  later,  by  advice  of  his  father,  he 
attended  a German  school,  though  only  for  a brief  period.  He 
left  when  required  to  confess,  regarding  his  sins  as  too  many 
and  too  dark  for  the  confidences  of  the  priest’s  box.  A brief 
'period  at  another  German  school  followed,  and  a term  at  a 


A .\i:ir  LAXn  AXn  a xi-av  ufk 


15 


A SCENE  EKO.M  “ OLD  CUlllOSlTV  SHOP  ” (1850) 


Fort5’-seventli  Street  academy,  considered  then  very  far  uptown. 
It  was  all  of  no  avail. 

“ Clo  finish  your  picture,  Nast,”  the  teacher  would  say  to 
him.  “ You  will  never  learn  to  read  or  figure;”  tlie  picture  in 
(]uestion  lieing  usually  a file  of  soldiers,  a pair  of  prize  fighters, 
a character  from  ” Hamlet,”  or  perhaps  something  remembered 
from  far-off  Landau,  such  as  a little  girl  leading  a jiet  lamb,  or 
old  Pelze-Xieol  with  his  pack.  This  was  his  last  school. 

Efforts  made  by  his  father  to  induce  liim  to  learn  music  or 
a trade  also  ended  in  failure.  The  boy  was  an  artist.  Attempts 
at  any  other  education  did  him  little  good. 


CHAPT?]K  m 


IX  TIIK  WAY  OF  AllT 

He  attended  a drawing  class  taught  by  Theodore  Kaufmann, 
a historical  painter,  a graduate  from  a German  painting  acad- 
emy. Kaufmann  taught  in  his  studio  at  442  Broadway,  and 
on  the  same  floor  were  the  studios  of  Pratt,  Loup  and  Alfred 
Fredericks— all  well-known  painters  of  those  days.  Of  these, 
Fredericks  in  particular  became  a valuable  friend  and  adviser 
of  the  hoy  artist,  who  immediately  joined  in  the  bohemian  life 
and  customs  of  the  old  liuilding.  One  day  a fire  broke  out. 
Kaufmann ’s  studio  and  pictures  were  ruined— his  class  aban- 
doned. The  l)oy’s  art  education  came  to  a temporary  halt, 
though  he  pursued  his  studies  at  home,  aided  by  a set  of  “ Hard- 
ing’s Drawing  Copies.”  Through  the  guidance  of  Alfred  Fred- 
ericks, he  entered  the  Academy  of  Design,  having  been  admitted 
on  a drawing  from  a east— the  first  offered. 

The  Academy  was  then  on  Thirteenth  Street,  just  west  of 
Broadway.  Young  Nast  was  soon  elected  to  the  life  class,  of 
which  Mr.  Cummings  was  the  head.  Academy  methods  were 
somewhat  primitive  in  those  days,  and  it  was  mainly  due  to 
Fredericks  that  the  young  man  received  proper  guidance. 
Fredericks  was  at  the  time  painting  a panorama  of  the  Crimean 
War,  and  allowed  his  protege  to  help  him.  Once,  when  the  day 
was  cold  and  both  money  and  fuel  were  short,  young  Nast 


IX  THE  WAY  OF  ART 


17 


painted  their  stove  red,  vdiich  was  regarded  as  a huge  joke  by 
visitors.  One  of  these  showed  his  appreciation  by  inviting  both 
Fredericks  and  his  assistant  to  luncheon.  Thus  the  red  stove 
supplied  genuine  comfort. 

At  the  Academy  with  young  Nast  were  a number  of  students 
who  have  since  become  well  known.  Samuel  Coleman  was  there, 
also  Eugene  Benson,  Hennessy,  'Whittaker,  Walter  Shirlaw  and 
others  destined  to  make  their  mark.  "With  Fredericks  and  his 
fellows  he  spent  many  spare  moments  in  visiting  the  art  gal- 
leries—studying,  admiring  and  criticizing,  as  art  pupils  do  to- 
day— have  always  done  and  always  will  do  until  the  “ last  great 
picture  is  painted.” 

It  was  about  this  time  that  a wealthy  man,  named  Thomas 
Bryan,  brought  to  New  York  a collection  of  paintings,  among 
which  were  a number  of  genuine  old  masters.  The  collection 
is  now  the  property  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society,  and 
considered  of  great  value.  Yet  for  some  reason  its  genuineness 
was  questioned  at  first,  and  its  popularity  waned.  But  to  the 
students,  and  especially  to  young  Nast,  it  became  a mine  of 
wealth.  Nast  was  allowed  to  take  his  easel  there  and  to  copy 
some  of  the  rare  paintings.  'V^isitors  were  attracted  by  the  fat 
little  boy’s  work  (he  was  very  fat  and  German  in  those  days) 
and  prophesied  well  for  his  future.  Bryan  himself  took  an  in- 
terest, and  eventually  made  him  door-keeper,  allowing  him  all 
he  took  in  over  a certain  number  of  admission  fees  of  twenty- 
five  cents  each.  It  is  possible  that  Bryan  might  have  done  some- 
thing further  for  the  lad,  had  not  the  latter,  all  at  once,  created 
an  opportunity  of  his  own. 

He  gathered  up  a bundle  of  his  drawings  one  morning,  and 
went  over  to  call  on  Frank  Leslie,  who  had  already  founded 
the  "\Yeekly  which  still  bears  his  name.  The  great  publisher 
looked  at  the  roiand-faced  German  boy  of  fifteen  and  remarked 
that  he  was  pretty  young— a fact  already  known.  Then  Mr. 


18 


THOMAS  NAST 


Leslie  examined  the  sketclies  and  obsei’\’ed  they  were  pretty 
^ood— a fact  equally  obvious.  Presently  he  rose  from  his  chair 
and  stood  looking  down  on  the  short,  moon-faced  lad— a scene 
of  which  Nast  has  left  us  a caricature. 

“ So  you  want  to  draw  ])ietures  for  my  paper?  ” he  said. 
The  small  (lerman  looked  up  at  the  great  man  and  nodded. 

“ A"ery  well.  Go  down  to  (’hristopher 
Street  next  Sunday  morning,  where  the 
])eople  are  hoarding  the  ferry  for  the 
LIysian  Fields  (a  resort  beyond  Hobo- 
ken), and  make  me  a i)icture 
of  the  crowd  just  at  the  last 
call  of  ‘All  Al)oard!  ’ Do 
you  understand?  ” 

The  fat  hoy  once  more 
nodded. 

“ Yes,  sir,”  he  said.  ” All 
right.” 

That  was  easy  to  say;  Imt 
the  job  was  not  easy,  even 
for  a skilled  man.  Leslie 
afterwards  told  James  Par- 
ton  that  he  had  ” no  ex])cctation  of  the  little  fellow’s  doing  it, 
and  gave  him  the  jol)  merely  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  home 
to  his  youthful  mind  the  absurdity  of  his  application.” 
Nevertheless  the  l)oy  went  early  and  worked  late.  Patiently, 
between  boats,  he  drew  the  details  of  the  scene— the  ajqu'oach 
with  its  heavy  uprights,  its  cross-]>ieces  and  its  hoisting  chains; 
the  huge  balance  weight;  the  swinging  sign-card;  the  wide  out- 
look to  the  river,  with  the  liills  outlined  beyond.  Then  when 
the  ])oat  came,  and  the  gates  opened  to  let  the  crowd  push 
through,  he  made  swift  mental  pictures,  and  when  all  was  quiet 
again,  added  to  his  drawing  the  racing  boy,  the  barking  dog  and 


IX  THE  ff'.lY  OF  ART 


19 


the  stenclier-goiiig  men  and  women,  wliose  holiday  attire  has  be- 
come so  (jnaint  with  the  lapse  of  time.  There  would  seem  to 
have  been  some  curious  foreshadowing  in  this  first  assignment, 
foi-  it  was  from  this  very  spot  that  through  all  his  later  years 
Thomas  Xast  was  to  cross  into  Xew  Jersey  to  reach  his  ^lorris- 
town  home. 

On  ]\londay  moiaiing  he  appeared  once  more  before  Mr.  Leslie, 
who  looked  at  the  di-awing  and  tlnm  at  the  young  artist. 

“Do  that  alone?  ’’  he  asked. 

“ Ves,  sir.’’ 

Leslie  turned  to  his  desk  and  took  therefrom  a half-page 
engraving  block. 

“ Take  this  ui)-stairs, ’’  he  said,  “ to  INFr.  Alfred  Berghaus, 


ALL  AUOAKD  FOH  TliE  KLYSIA.N  KIELD.s!  AT  THE  CTUtlSTOl’HEU  STKEET  FEKIiY. 
nast’s  FIHST  ASSIGN.ME.NT. 


onr  staff  artist,  lie  will  show  you  how  to  whiten  it.  Then  re- 
draw your  picture  on  this  block.” 

The  hoy  went  eagerly.  Berghaus  was  a large,  blond  German 
with  the  arrogant,  ])onipous  mannei-  of  a Pnissian  officer. 


20 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ So  Mr.  Leslie  send  you,  lieli?  And  I was  to  show  you 
how  to  viten?  Vat  does  Mr.  Leslie  dink  I am  here  for,  heh? 
Well,  here  are  de  dings— I guess  you  can  do  it.” 

The  boy  took  the  things  and  went  at  it.  Berghaus  watched 

his  rather  awkward  at- 
tempts. Then,  out  of  })ity, 
or  impatience,  took  the 
materials  and  completed 
the  work. 

” Xow,  ” he  admonished, 
” make  your  drawing  on 
dis  block  just  der  opposite 
as  you  have  it  on  dot 
paper.  ’ ’ 

Carefully,  and  with  great 
pains,  the  hoy  obeyed. 
MTien  it  was  finished,  he 
took  the  boxwood  block 
hack  to  Mr.  Leslie,  who 
looked  at  it,  smiled,  and 

“scene  FKOM  KICHELIEU  ” (1856;  oom 

Sti  1 Clj 

” What  do  you  make  where  you  are?  ” 

“ Tt  differs— sometimes  twenty-five  cents  a week — sometimes 
six  dollars.” 

” Will  it  average  four  dollars?  ” 

” Perhaps.” 

” Very  well,  I will  give  you  four  dollars  a week  to  come  and 
draw  for  Leslie’s  AVeekly.” 

A great  luni]>  came  into  the  hoy’s  throat.  lie  could  not  an- 
swer at  once  for  joy. 

The  little  lad  of  Landau  had  found  his  place  in  the  New  World. 


ClIAPTEli  IV 

AT  Leslie’s 

The  Leslie  office  proved  a great  practical  school  to  the  young 
artist.  Photography  had  not  yet  become  the  “ handmaid  of 
art,”  and  on  a weekly  illustrated  paper  there  was  much  to  do. 
Even  before  the  ferryboat  jiicture  was  engraved  a big  fire  broke 
out  up-town  and  the  new  man  was  assigned  to  the  job.  Daily 
papers  were  not  then  illustrated,  and  fire  and  flood  pictures 
were  the  favorite  material  of  the  weekly  press.  They  took  pre- 
cedence over  most  other  features;  hence  it  happened  that  young 
Nast’s  first  public  appearance  was  made  with  his  fire  picture, 
instead  of  the  “ All  Aboard  ” which  had  won  him  his  place. 

The  Leslie  })ublication  office  was  at  that  time  on  Frankfort 
Street,  between  William  and  Xassau.  It  comprised  a front  and 
a rear  building— the  front  for  ])ul)lishing,  the  rear  for  the 
presses.  In  the  rear,  also,  were  the  editorial  offices,  and  here, 
ill  a large  room,  together  with  Col.  T.  B.  Thorp  and  Henry 
Watson,  editors  of  that  time,  worked  Alfred  Bergliaus,  the 
arrogant  but  capable  chief  of  the  art  staff;  Sol  Eytinge,  after- 
ward celebrated  for  his  humorous  negro  drawings  of  the  “ Small 
Breed  Family,”  and  young  ” Tommy  ” Nast.  IVIr.  Leslie  also 
had  a desk  there  which  he  sometimes  used,  perhaps  when  he 
wished  to  seclude  himself  from  too  jiersistent  callers  down-stairs. 

The  Leslie  editorial  office  was  frequented  hy  most  of  the  illus- 


22 


THOMAS  NAST 


trators  and  writers  of  that  i>eriod.  i\liss  Croly,  who  signed  her- 
self “ Jenny  .June,”  was  often  there.  Also  eaine  Kichard  Henry 
Stoddard,  then  in  the  fulness  of  early  inanhood  and  power; 
iMortiiner  Thompson,  whose  pen-name  was  ” Doesticks  and 
all  the  rest  of  that  blithe  and  talented  crew.  ” Doesticks  ” was 
regularly  employed  on  the  Tribune,  but  did  frecpient  assign- 
ments for  Leslie’s,  and  Eytinge  or  Nast,  sometimes  both,  ac- 
companied him. 

Often  in  their  rounds  they  brought  up  at  Pfaff’s  beer-cellar, 
on  Broadway  near  Bleecker  Street— a bohemian  resort,  long 
since  vanished  and  now  become  historic.  Here  they  would  find 
“ Miles  O’Keilly,”  George  Arnold,  Frank  Bellew,  Fitz-.Tames 
O’Brien  and  a host  of  other  good  fellows.  The  boy  was  happy 
to  be  seen  in  this  crowd  of  notables  and  felt  that  he  was  get- 
ting on.  In  tuni,  they  doubtless  found  the  ” fat  little  Dutch 
boy  ” amusing.  They  took  him  to  theatres  and  other  cozy  re- 
sorts and  “ showed  him  the  town.”  It  was  not  so  l)ig  a town 
then,  but  one  feels,  somehow,  that  there  Avas  more  com- 
radeship, more  characteristic  personality,  more  of  the  feeling 
and  flavor  of  art  than  we  find  here  to-day.* 

IMeanlinie,  “ Little  Tommy  Nast  ” was  in  truth  progressing. 

* Anion"  the  frii'iids  niaile  liy  Nast  wliile  at  Loslie’s  was  .lolin  P.  Davis,  one  of 
Aniprica’s  leadiii"  wood-ciifiravcrs,  tlien  of  Hip  Li'slip  pinploy.  In  a rpcpnt  letter  to 
the  writer  Mr.  Davis  refers  to  this  early  aeiinaintanee  as  follows: 

“With  Nast  espeeially  I formed  the  pleasantest  relationship.  T had  hut  recently 
married,  and  the  little  fellow — he  was  but  a lad  of  seventeen — found  jileasurc  in 
visitiii"  my  home  a couple  of  evenin"s  a week.  He  was  seriously  inclined  for  his 
years;  with  an  outlook  upon  life  entirely  unsophisticated,  a (plaint  humor  brighten- 
ing his  expression  of  opinion  or  narrative  of  events,  which  was  partly  racial,  no 
doubt,  but  wholly  charming  to  the  American  sense.  He  took  me  to  visit  his  own 
home  at  this  time.  The  walls  of  his  room  were  hung  with  many  of  Tom’s  draw- 
ings and  the  closet  drawers  were  also  filled  with  them.  I was  surprised  by  the 
boy’s  industry.  The  subjects  were  generally  chosen  from  plays  in  vogue;  the  style 
of  drawing  a simulation  of  that  of  John  Gilbert,  the  English  illustrator  coupled  with 
remnants  of  Fri'derick’s  inlluence.  But  industry  was  the  principle  master;  the  only 
token  of  originality  was  noticeable  in  the  crudeness  with  which  his  pencil  had  traced 
the  lead  of  his  protagonists.” 


AT  LESLIE’S 


21] 


He  rose  at  four  iu  the  morning  to  practice  drawing  and  labored 
far  into  tlie  night  to  complete  his  work.  He  was  hound  to  justify 
his  employer’s  good  opinion— to  fulfil  the  promise  of  his  begin- 
ning. He  well-nigh  gave  way  under  the  strain  but  it  paid. 
Frank  Leslie  was  likely  to  be  peculiar  in  his  business  methods, 
but  he  appreciated  industry  and  talent  and  pushed  the  boy 
along.  He  did  not  always  pay  salaries,  but  he  always  did  furnish 
work,  which  was  of  vastly  more  importance.  He  invited  the  boy 
to  si)end  Sunday  with  him  at  Long  Branch,  and  allowed  him  to 
put  in  the  day  making  sketches  of  the  Ocean  Jlouse,  then  owned 
by  "VVarren  Leland  and  the  most  fashionable  resort  on  the  coast. 

At  times,  however,  the  financial  situation  became  acute.  Once, 
Avheu  the  art  department  had  not  been  paid  for  three  weeks, 
a general  demand  was  made  on  the  treasure!-,  an  Fnglishman 
named  Angel  Wood,  who  told  them  to  come  back  after  luncheon. 
Kejoicing  in  the  belief  that  they  were  to  be  })aid,  the  staff  in- 
dulged in  a rather  expensive  repast,  and  lingered  over  it  a bit 
longer  than  usual.  The  item  of  delay  was  fatal.  When  they 
reached  the  office.  Wood  informed  them,  with  averted  gaze, 
that  ]\Ir.  Leslie  had  just  taken  what  money  there  was  and  gone. 

“ Gone!  Took  the  money!  ” 

“ Yes,  he’s  bought  a yacht  and  needed  the  money  to  pay  for  it.” 

There  was  but  one  thing  to  do.  The  art  department  struck. 
Two  days  later,  when  Hr.  Leslie  returned  from  his  trip,  he 
found  the  easels  empty,  and  flies  crawling  over  the  half-finished 
sketches.  He  promptly  sent  for  the  desei'ters.  When  they 
api)cared,  he  made  a plea,  by  the  side  of  which  ]\lark  Antony’s 
address  seemed  but  a feeble  thing.  He  shed  tears  himself  and 
brought  tears  to  the  eyes  of  his  hearers.  They  went  back  to 
work,  ashamed,  and  with  never  a hint  of  money  for  a week. 
Then  all  were  paid.  Immediately  aftei-ward  there  was  a meet- 
ing of  Leslie’s  creditors,  and  his  affairs  experienced  one  of  those 
periodical  readjustments  which  were  a necessary  part  of  his 


24 


THOMAS  NAST 


early  career.  Nevertheless  he  was  a good  general— persuasive 
in  his  manner,  brilliant  in  his  conceptions  and  methods,  fear- 
less of  puqjose  and  excellent  in  discipline.  Once  young  Nast 
retui-ued  from  an  assignment  with  the  report  that  there  was 
nothing  there  to  sketch. 

“ Go  back,”  commanded  Leslie.  ” Do  just  what  I told  you. 
I will  be  the  judge  of  its  value.”  The  boy  hurried  away  and 
did  not  forget  this  lesson  in  obedience. 

He  was  receiving  seven  dollars  a week  at  this  time,  which  may 
have  made  him  proud.  Also  he  was  doing  important  work. 
Single-handed,  Leslie  had  nndertaken  to  demolish  the  “ swill 
milk  ” evil,  then  the  city’s  bane,  and  Berghaus  and  Nast  were 
making  the  sketches.  It  ])roved  a fight  as  bitter  and  as  fierce, 
though  not  so  prolonged,  as  the  Tweed  Bing  battle  of  later  years. 
Leslie’s  life  and  office  were  threatened  by  owners  of  the  diseased 
cows  that  were  milked  rotting  in  their  stalls.  Gity  officials  were 
in  league  with  the  wretches,  and  it  was  hard  to  get  action. 
Leslie  did  not  desi>air  or  flinch.  He  sent  his  men  directly  into 
the  miserable  bams,  and  each  week  gave  more  space  to  depict- 
ing the  vile  conditions.  The  end  was  a complete  triumph  for 
the  paper.  It  brought  great  and  deseiwed  credit  to  Frank 
Leslie,  and  it  gave  to  young  Thomas  Nast  his  first  insight  into 
corrupt  city  government,  likewise  a striking  illustration  of  the 
])ower  of  the  pencil  in  correcting  evil. 

From  Sol  Eytinge  the  boy  received  much  of  his  technical 
training.  Eytinge  was  a master  of  his  craft,  willing  to  expound 
the  gospel  of  art,  allowing  his  pupil  to  work  as  hai’d  as  he  liked, 
in  return.  Comradeship  and  even  intimacy  existed  l)etween  the 
two.  They  planned  for  the  future  together,  and  when  in  1857 
the  first  number  of  Harper’s  "Weekly  appeared,  they  resolved 
to  associate  themselves  with  the  new  sheet. 

But  in  October  of  1858  Nast  was  still  on  Leslie’s,  assigned 
with  Thompson  to  report  the  Morrissey-Heenan  prize  fight. 


AT  LESLIE'S 


25 


a contest  between  John  Morrissey,  the  prize-fighting  politician, 
and  John  C.  Pleenan,  the  “ Benicia  Boy  ” (of  Benicia,  Cali- 
fornia), one  of  the  husbands  of  Ada  Isaacs  Menken. 

The  battle  took  place  on  October  20th,  at  Long  Point,  Canada, 
a place  of  sand — the  j)arty  on  this  side  embarking  from  Buffalo 
in  three  top-heavy,  unseaworthy  steamers.  Nast  and  “ Doe- 
sticks  ” were  on  the  “ Kaloolah,”  of  which  “ Doesticks  ” in 
his  account  says: 

At  11.30  the  floating  coffin  left  the  dock  and  steamed  in  a 
dismal  manner  up  the  lake.  The  crowd  gave  her  a mournful 
cheer  as  she  shoved  off,  and  several  persons  on  the  shore,  who 
knew  the  boat  and  had  friends  on  board,  bade  them  a sad  fare- 
well aud  weeping  turned  away. 

John  and  Paddy  Hughes,  Mike  C'udney,  Tom  the  Boatman, 
Big-headed  Kelly  of  Buffalo,  Izzy  Lazarus  and  many  other  cele- 
brated and  distinguished  individuals,  now  happily  dead,  were 
aboard,  and  among  these  “ Doesticks  ” was  rather  startled  to 
see  Billy  Mulligan,  a notorious  gentleman  whose  criminal  record 
the  jounialist  had  elaborated  for  the  Tribune  not  long  be- 
fore. In  earlier  days  Mulligan  had  left  San  Francisco  by  order 
of  the  Vigilance  Committee,  and  it  may  be  noted  in  passing  that 
eventually  he  met  his  death  there  for  a double  murder. 

But  Mulligan  was  very  much  alive  at  this  ])articular  time, 
aboard  the  “ Kaloolah,”  and  ” Doesticks  ” could  think  of  no 
good  way  to  get  ashore.  That  the  newspaper  man  would  be 
])ointed  out  to  “ Billy  ” was  almost  certain,  aud  in  that  law- 
less crowd  the  chance  of  escaping  the  ruffian’s  vengeance  seemed 
poor.  ” Doestick’s  ” conceni,  however,  was  chiefly  for  his  com- 
panion, the  young  artist,  whom  he  cautioned  to  “ make  himself 
scarce  ” if  he  saw  iMulligan  coming  in  that  direction. 

Then  suddenly  the  journalist  was  seized  wjlh  an  inspiration. 
"With  jaunty  bravado  he  walked  over  to  Mulligan,  and  holding 
out  his  hand  invited  the  outlaw  to  the  bar. 


20 


THOMAS  XAST 


A SCENK  P'liO.M  •'  GIL  ULAS  ” llSoi-S) 


I'he  plan  worked  })erfeetly.  ^Mulligan  acce])ted  the  invitation 
witli  good  natin-e,  and  a little  later  was  confiding  to  ‘‘  Doe- 
sticks  ” the  story  of  his  wi'ongs.  It  seemed  a narrow  escape. 

The  ^Iorrissey-]I(“enan  fight  was  a sangninary  affair.  [Morris- 
sey, being  over  confident  of  success,  was  nearly  killed  in  the  first 

^ round.  lie  was  in  ])er- 
fect  condition,  liowever, 
and  presently  recovered 
' . and  lasted  long  enough  to 

wear  out  lleenan,  who, 
being  ill,  became  exhausted 
from  the  very  effort  of 
inimmell ing  [\1  orrissey. 
The  latter  closed  the  con- 
test in  the  eleventh  round, 
a tottering  tower  of  lilood, 
but  victorious. 


raO.M  “ GIL  ULAS  ” (1857-8) 


lie  was  too  far  gone  to 
speak,  says  “ Doesticks,” 
but  lie  made  an  attemjit  to 
smile,  which  was  a most 
ghastly  thing  to  see.  llis 


AT  LESLIE'S 


A SCKXE  FROM  “UIL.  HLAS  ” Id-'  0 


eves  were  noa.lv  elose.l,  liia  ni...Uli  cat  Ills  lips  m..1  tongue 
sWollon,  liis  nose  lite.-ally  battoie.l  Hat  to  Ins  face  llco..a.i  o 
the  coiiti-nry,  sea.eely  sliowod  a niai'l;,  liaving  been  beaten 
through  shoor  weariness. 

“Doestieks”  and  Xast,  hotli  ardent  supporters  the 
“ Benicia  B>oy,”  returned  to  New  York  disgusted  with  the  affair 


and  with  pugilism  in  gen 
eral.  Yet  it  was  the  pic- 
torial results  of  the  en- 
counter that  were  to  win 
for  Xast  the  more  im- 
l)ortant  assignment  — the 
y-reat  Ileenan-Savers  hat- 
tie,  in  Kngland— the  fol- 
lowing year. 

For  the  present  he  con- 
tented himself  with  regu- 
lar assignments,  complet- 
ing at  odd  times  some 
rather  ambitious  sepia 
sketches— illustrations  for 
“ Gil  Bias  ” begun  the 


FROM  “ GII.  RI.AS  ” 1857  8 


28 


THOMAS  NAST 


year  before.  These  lie  exhibited  iu  the  National  Academy  of 
Design,  then  on  Broadway,  between  Prince  and  Spring  Streets, 
over  a church. 

The  young  illustrator’s  art  influences  at  this  time  were  likely 
to  be  humorous  in  their  tendency.  Plytinge  was  humorous,  at 
his  best,  while  the  three  great  Plnglish  Johns— Leech,  (iilbert 
and  Tenniel— were  the  boy’s  avowed  and  exalted  models.  A 
cartoon — the  British  Lion  and  the  Bengal  Tiger— one  of  Ten- 
niel’s  earliest  and  best,  fired  him  with  a desire  for  like  achieve- 
ment. Yet  his  daily  work  was  purely  jounialistic— serious  and 
prosaic  enough— important  only  in  the  added  skill  it  gave  to 
his  pencil  and  the  literal  knowledge  it  brought  to  him.  y 

Eytiuge  meanwhile  began  to  do  occasional  work  for  Har- 
per’s. Nast  helped  him  on  the  drawings,  and  the  Harper  ambi- 
tion grew.  Then  at  last,  Eytinge  went  to  the  paper  in  body  and 
spirit,  and  the  boy  felt  left  behind.  In  any  event  he  could  not 
remain  at  Leslie’s,  for  a financial  stress  was  upon  the  land,  and 
the  Leslie  salaries  had  been  reduced.  This  was  now  important, 
as  his  father,  the  gentle-souled  musician,  had  recently  died,  and 
the  lad  was  obliged  to  contribute  to  the  family’s  support. 

He  gave  up,  one  day,  and  walked  out  of  the  old  place  where, 
more  than  three  years  before,  he  made  his  beginning.  They 
had  been  three  priceless  years,  crowded  with  vital  experience 
and  valuable  instruction.  In  return,  he  had  rendered  faithful 
service,  and  now,  still  a boy,  being  but  little  past  eighteen,  he 
felt  read}"  to  face  the  world. 

Naturally  he  drifted  to  Eytiuge,  who  worked  in  a studio  of 
his  own  and  allowed  Nast  to  assist  on  his  drawings,  with  some 
financial  result.  Yet  it  was  due  to  Alfred  Ph-edericks,  whose 
friendship  for  the  “ litte  fat  Dutch  boy  ” never  wavered, 
that  his  first  entry  into  the  alluring  Harper  pages  was  made, 
P’redericks  was  himself  on  the  Harper  staff,  and  recognizing 
the  creative  ability  of  his  former  pupil,  one  day  said. 


A7'  LESLIE’S 


29 


THE  NEW  YORK  METROPOLITAN  POLICE. 

A PICTORIAL  A N A L r S I S 0 l>  TUB  REPORT  TO  THE  LEGISLATURE 


. Those  geQtlemert,  hnduig  the  g»iivbQg  business 
i>u  the  decline^  revive  to  become  gunnlians  of 
law  and  order,  anil  enter  the  Metropolitnu  Po- 
lice. 


Policemen  are  but  men,  and  when  young  and 
fasunatmg  woQien  bappen  to  get  irtio  the  po- 
lice-stiitionn,  who  can  blame  them  if  they  are 
civil  and  gnltaul  ? 


As  to  poor  deviSs,  houseless  wieichea,  wuli  no 
good  looks,  aud  steeped  io  poverty  and  luucry, 
can  a high-bred  policeman  m expected  to  erioi^c 
to  such  as  these?  Ko,  no;  let  them  eat  the 
bread  of  sorrow. 


The  powers  that  be  ask  no  lavoi , but  when 
they  waiit  new  clothes  a friendly  captain  goes 
round  with  the  bat,  and  as  for  the  patrolman 
who  declines  to  out  in  a Quarter,  he  W better 
emigrate  to  Caliiomta  by  the  neat  iieamcr. 


The  couscqueuce  of  which  is,  that  the  pour  pa- 
trolman 18  unabledo  procon  the  food  wnich  nis 
sick  wife  require  and  bis  chUdreo  go  without 
stockings  and  without  new  frocks. 


The  pubce  service  ooolmues,  however,  to  bo  ad 
mirably  effiuent,  and  quite  a number  of  hack- 
carriages  are  actively  employed  on  pressing 
bee  duty,  as  above  depicted. 


SOME  OF  THE  “ POLICE  SCANDAL  ” PICTIIUES 
(From  Nast's  first  contribution  to  Harper’s  \W‘ekly,  March  19,  IfflQ) 


“ Wliy  don’t  you  make  us  a page  of  ‘ Police  Scandal’  ? ” 
Police  scandal,  a perennial  development  in  Xew  York,  vras 
then,  as  ever,  a subject  of  unfailing  interest.  Nast  prepared  the 
page  and  prompt  acceptance  followed.  Pnlilished  in  March, 
1850,  it  was  his  first  appearance  in  tlie  great  weekly  where  he 
was  to  make  his  fame.  It  seems  fitting  that  it  should  have  been 
a protest  against  civic  abuse. 


C’lTAPTEU  V 

LOVE  AND  A LONG  JOUUNEY 

More  tlian  two  years  were  to  elai)se  before  any  regular  con- 
nection with  Harper’s  "Weekly  began.  Young  Xast  was  not 
idle.  Encouraged  by  the  success  of  the  j)olice  sketches,  he  as- 
sailed the  gambling  houses.  AVith  a detective  he  made  the 
rounds,  and  a ])a])er  called  the  Sunday  Courier  i)ublished  his 
work.  lie  also  contributed  quite  frequently  to  the  Comic 
Monthly  and  to  Yankee  Notions— the  illustrated  humorous 
papers  of  that  day. 

But  now  somethiiig  wholly  unexpected  came  into  the  young 
man’s  life.  He  fell  in  love.  At  745  Broadway,  in  the  old  resi- 
dence later  occu])ie<l  l)y  Charles  Scribner  and  Sons,  there  dwelt 
in  1850  the  “ jolly  Edwards  family  a household  wherein  a 
lack  of  wealth  was  more  than  offset  by  an  abundance  of  merry 
entertainment  and  good  will.  .Tames  Barton  was  a cousiii  of 
this  family,  and  the  home  of  the  talented  Ed^vards  girls  and 
their  brilliant  mother  was  a favorite  meeting  ]ilace  for  many 
of  the  gifted  ones  of  that  time.  Barton  brought  his  friends,  and 
his  friends  in  turn  brought  others.  Books,  painting,  theatricals 
and  even  politics  were  discussed  in  a lively  and  exhaustive  man- 
ner by  the  members  of  that  clever,  fun-loving  circle,  which  in- 
cluded “ Hoesticks,”  Thomas  Butler  (Tunn— a descendant  of 
Samuel  Butler  of  “ Hudibras  ” fame— .T.  0.  Haney,  publisher 


J.OJ’E  AND  A LONG  JOURNEY 


of  tlio  Comic  ^Monthly, 
ami  many  otliers,  now 
(lead  and  almost  for- 
gotten, Tliey  were  all 
yonna;  then  and  many 
were  the  festivities  they 
])lanned  and  carried  out 
tosjether,  Kach  year  a 
o'rand  theatrical  perform- 
ance was  given  at  the 
Theatre  des  Edwards 
( somet  imes  spelled  ‘ ‘ Edou- 
ards ” on  the  printed  an- 
nouncements), and  these 


THOMAS  NAST  IN  IS5!) 

entertainments  were 
really  very  Avonderful  af- 
fairs, with  plays,  poems 
and  scenery  prei)ared  for 
each  occasion,  and  with 
lirogranimes  very  pre- 
tentious indeed. 

It  was  during  the 
early  summer  of  IHoO 
that  puhlisher  Haney 
one  evening  introduced 
his  young  contributoi’, 
Tommy  Xast,  to  this 
hlithesome  crew.  They 
l)romi)tly  duhhed  him 


MISS  SAKAH  EUWAKDS 
iFrom  a sketch  by  Nast,  1859) 


32 


THOMAS  XAST 


“ l^oly-poly  ” — a title  sup- 
posed to  conform  to  liis 
physical  characteristics  — and 
set  him  to  work  in  their 
preparations  for  a famous 
Fourth  of  July  picnic,  which 
took  place  near  Nyack  on 
the  Hudson,  and  was  sub- 
sequently celebrated  in  a poem 
by  Edward  AVelles,  with  pic- 
tures by 

“ The  young  artist  friend  who 
along  with  us  came. 

And  is  rushing  along  on  the 
turnpikes  of  fame.” 


CAHHhVTUHK  OF  THE  AUTIST  OF  THK  PU- 
NIC HOOK,  BY  HIMSELF 

The  poem  as  i)reserved  is  in 
the  form  of  a little  sketch-book, 
wherein  the  written  lines  fall 
exactly  beneath  the  proper 
illustrations,  showing  that  ar- 
tist and  amanuensis  must  have 
worked  side  by  side— perhaps, 
at  times,  even  hand  in  hand — 
for  the  amanuensis  was  no 
other  than  one  of  those  fas- 
cinating Edwards  girls,  Sarah, 
with  whom  the  young  artist 
had  immediately  fallen  in 
love. 

Their  couidshi])  must  have 
run  very  smoothly  that  pleas- 
ant summer  of  1859,  and  on  the 


’7 


“ THE  COMPANY  AND  “ THE  FIRST  EX- 
CURSION ” 

(From  the  Picnic  Book) 


LOVE  AND  A LONG  JOURNEY 


33 


Christinas  prograiniiie  of  the 
Theiitre  des  Edwards  of  that 
year  we  find  the  name  of  one 
“ Tlionnnaso  ” Nast  set  down 
as  “ Scenic  Artist  in  Chief.” 
Farther  down  appears  a cer- 
tain “ Signor  Nastonetti  ” as 
“ Bihhol)ol)o-hiil)ble,  a valet 
and  harher,  ” in  the  piece  de 
resistance  of  the  evening,  while 
in  tlie  Christinas  poem  he  is 
appreciatively  referred  to  as 

“ that  young  artist  of  high  and 
rare  promise 

"Whose  surname  is  Nast  and 
whose  pramomen  Thomas.” 


“ THACKEUAY  ” AND  “ THE  PICNIC  ” 
(Ki  imi  the  Picnic  Hook) 


(Krom  the  Picnic  Hook) 

It  is  recorded  that  Tommy 
Nast  had  a most  infectious 
laugh  in  those  days,  and  a rich 
musical  voice,  and  that  on  this 
evening  he  gave  an  imiiromptu 
imitation  of  a popular  and  very 
fat  Italian  opera  favorite, 
Amodio,  which  “ brought 
down  the  house,”  and  doubt- 
less enshrined  him  still  more 
deeply  in  Miss  Edwards’s  af- 
fections. 

P>ut  the  time  of  matrimony 
was  not  yet.  In  November,  an- 
other weekly,  called  the  New 


3 


34 


THOMAS  XAST 


York  Illustrated  News,  liad  l)een  started,  and  both  Eytinge 
and  Nast  were  nieinl)ers  of  its  staff.  Nast  had  been 

sent  out  on  many  important  assignments,  including  the 
funeral  of  John  Itrown  on  l)eeeml)er  8th,  at  North  Elba, 
New  York,  where  one  of  the  i)all-bearers  was  \Yendell  Phillips, 
who,  on  the  same  evening,  at  Ihirlington,  Vermont,  made  a speech 
which  stirred  the  young  artist  to  his  depths.  This  was  followed 
by  “ Backgrounds  of  Civilization  a series  illustrating  the 
vice  and  misery  of  New  York  tenements— and  by  other  leading 
features  of  the  new  sheet.  1’'he  young  artist  felt  that  he  was 
really  l)eginning  to  “ rush  along  the  turnpike,”  especially  as  he 
was  receiving  the  comfortal)le  salary— considered  really  magnifi- 
cent in  those  days— of  forty  dollars  a week. 

Perhai)s,  in  spite  of  his  tendei’  years,  he  now  considered  him- 
self equal  to  the  responsi])ilities  of  a household.  Many  a boy 
of  nineteen  with  less  salary  and  fewer  prospects  has  assumed 
family  cares  without  a <]uahn.  But  just  at  this  })oint  there  was 
presented  an  o))])ortunity  which  could  not  l)e  overlooked,  even 
for  matrimony.  The  Ileenan-Sayers  fight— an  event  of  inter- 
national interest,  one  that  overshadowed  even  the  bitter  ])olitics 
of  that  time— was  to  be  ” pulled  off  ” in  England  in  1860.  Tt  had 
been  arranged  by  George  AYilkes,  editor  of  the  Spirit  of  tlie 
Times,  and  the  News  offered  Tommy  Nast  the  assignment 
as  “ our  s])ecial  artist  ” faithfully  to  picture  the  great  l)attle. 

He  sailed  February  15,  I860,  Avith  two  most  important  con- 
tracts for  contributions— one  with  the  News,  the  other  with 
Miss  Edwards.  He  kejAt  both,  faithfully.  Every  steamer 
brought  letters  and  pictures  to  his  paper  (some  of  the  letters 
were  published)  and,  as  well,  to  the  lady  of  his  choice.  lie  ar- 
rived safely  in  London  and  put  up  at  the  Pound  Table  Inn,  a 
typical  Plnglish  tavern,  frequented  by  most  of  the  sports.  Here 
he  prepared  a pictorial  record  of  his  stonny  voyage  on  the  “ City 
of  Manchester,”  a souvenir  still  carefully  preserved. 


PICTORIAL  SOUVENIR  OF  THE  VOYAGE  TO  EUROPE,  1800 

(From  the  origimil  Bkofches) 


THOMAS  yJST 


lit) 


A KltoM  NAST'S  l,ONIX)N  SKKTfll-llOOK 


C'lIAPTEH  VI 

TIIK  JIKENAN-SAYEIJS  EIGHT 

Conceniinj?  tlio  Ileoiiaii-Sayors  episode,  it  may  be  said  here 
that  never  in  the  liistory  of  nations  lias  tliere  been  a sporting 
event  that  even  apiiroaelied  it  in  jmhlie  imjiortanee.  America 
and  England  were  not  on  the  friendliest  of  terms  in  those  days, 
just  prior  to  the  Civil  AVai-,  and  this  was  to  he  a grand  test  of 
])liysical  supremacy. 

Xotwithstanding  his  defeat  by  ]\forrissey,  the  “ Benicia  Roy  ” 
was  regarded  as  America’s  foremost  ])ugilist,  while  Tom  Sayers 
wore  the  belt  of  England.  Their  names  were  upon  every  lip. 
Prince,  ])oet,  pauper  and  politician  alike  could  talk  and  think 
only  of  the  coming  event.  Two  great  nations  had  become  mere 
bottle  holders,  as  it  were,  for  their  juigilistic  favorites.  Even 
the  staid  London  Times  had  articles  and  editorials  on  the 
approaching  conflict,  and  most  other  jiajiers  on  both  sides  of  the 
water  gave  uj)  images,  double  ]>ages  and  even  entire  numbers  to 


THE  IIEESAS-SAYERS  FIGHT 


37 


/• 


pictures  aucl  accounts  of  the  champions,  their  trainers,  their 
training  quarters  and  the  smallest  details  of  their  daily  life.  In 
justification,  these  journals  attempted  to  reconcile  pugilistic 
with  spiritual  development  in  editorials  which  have  acquired 
humor  with  age. 

“ Our  special  artist  ” of  the  News  soon  met  both  Sayers  and 
lleenan— the  latter  at  his  training  quarters,  then  at  llarnham, 
’Wiltshire,  near  Salisbury.  Heeuan  promptly  characterized  him 
as  “ The  Little  Dragsman  a play  on  the  word  draughtsman, 
and  something  very  nearly  approaching  friendship  sprang  up 
between  the  two.  This  was  most  fortunate  for  Nast,  for  though 
the  News  had  made  a flaming  announcement  of  his  departure, 
^ a n d b o a s t e d 

weekly  of  “ our 
siiecial  artist  ” in 
the  field,  devot- 
ing almost  entire 
issues  to  his  pic- 
tures—pictures  in 
which  “ our  spe- 
cial artist  ” usu- 
ally appeared 
ju’ominently,  as 
was  the  custom  of 
those  days— they 
failed  to  send 
“ our  special  ar- 
tist ” his  remit- 
tances, and  with 
his  own  means  ex- 
hausted, he  was 
]n’esently  in  finan- 
cial straits.  It 


SINGING  HEENAN-SAYEKS  SONGS 
(From  Nat»t'8  London  Sketch-book) 


38 


THOMAS  A AST 


THE  KECEI'TION'  OF  OUl!  SPECIAL  AUTIST,  THOMAS  XAST,  ESQ.,  BY  JOHN  C.  HEENAN, 

THE  BENICIA  BOY',  AT  THE  HOUSE  OF  THE  L.A'TTER  IN  HAUNHAM,  YVILTSHIKE 

A pent loman  from  Now  York  J.  C.  Heonan  Keenan’s  trainiT  Tlie  cook 

ileeuan's  trainer  Thus.  Nast  IteiK)rter  of  N.  Y.  C’lip|H*r 

(Reproduced  from  a cut  in  the  New  York  Illustrated  News) 

was  lleeiian  who  came  to  the  rescue,  and  entertained  the  “ little 
dragsman  ” as  his  guest  at  his  various  lodging  houses,  for  while 
Sayers  was  alloAved  to  train  in  peace,  the  upholders  of  British 
sporting  supremacy  made  life  most  uncomfortalile  for  the  Ameri- 
can pugilist,  and  officers  dogged  him  from  place  to  place  to  pre- 
vent his  acquiring  proper  training. 

“ They  talk  about  British  ‘ fair  play,’  ” wrote  Nast,  “ but 
I fail  to  see  much  of  it  here.  Sayers  is  at  Newmarket,  and  left 
alone.  Poor  Heenan  is  hounded  constantly,  and  has  a hard  time 
to  train  at  all.” 

Sometimes  the  “ little  dragsman  ” himself  took  a turn  at 
training,  and  managed  to  hold  his  own  with  the  “ Benicia  Boy  ” 
In  long  Avalks  about  Uai’idiam,  P>ath,  Winchester,  Bortsea, 
North  and  South  Wallop,  until  finally  they  were  left  undis- 


THE  II  EES  AN -SAYERS  EIGHT 


u'J 

turbed.  lii  Derbyshire,  Heenan  had  beeu  arrested,  but  crowds, 
who  wanted  to  see  the  tight,  whooped  and  called  for  his  release. 

The  battle  finally  came  off  at  Aldershot,  on  April  17,  I860. 
Men  of  every  degree  were  at  the  ringside.  Charles  Dickens  had 
money  laid  on  the  outcome.  Even  Thackeray  is  said  to  have 
])een  among  the  spectators,  though  this  he  subsequently  denied. 
Business  of  every  sort  was  suspended.  I’arliainent  adjourned 
for  the  occasion. 

Lord  Ihdmerston,  the  Queen’s  Prime  ^Minister,  deplored  the 
public  importance  of  a sporting  event  of  so  mean  an  order. 

“ Nevertheless,”  thoughtfully  continued  his  lordship,  “ if 
the  affair  must  come  off,  I hope  Sayers  will  win.” 

On  the  moniing  of  the  event  London  forgot  business  to  join 
in  a general  holiday.  From  the  railroad  station  to  the  ringside 
there  was  a wild  rush  over  hedge  and  marsh.  Noblemen,  shop- 
men and  professional  “ sports  ” raced  and  scrambled  over  one 
another  in  their  mad  haste  to  reach  the  scene  of  conflict. 


TITE  RECEPTION  OF  OXTR  SPECIAL  ARTIST,  MH.  THOMAS  NAST,  BY  THOMAS  SAYERS, 
THE  ENGLISH  (’HAMPION,  AT  HIS  UKSII>K\CE,  NEWMARKET 
Mr.  Bryant,  eoi  ri‘s|>im(lent  of  the  N.  Y.  Clipper  Col.  Wilkes,  editor  of  Wilkes’  Spirit  of  the  Times 

.Mr.  Th.  Nast  .Mr.  Thomas  Sayers 

(KoprtMhjced  from  the  New  York  Illustrated  News) 


40 


THOMAS  XAST 


VIEW  OF  THE  FARM-HOUSE  OF  JACOB  I’OCOCK,  NEAR  BATH,  ENGI.AND,  THE  SECOND 

ON  ACCOUNT  OF  A COMPLAINT  BEING  LODGED 
From  a sketch  taken  on  the  spot 
(Reproduced  from  the  New 

Elnglisli  papers  had  freely  eondenined  American  I'owdyism, 
sucli  as  had  been  shown  at  the  Morrissey-1  leenan  contest,  but 
nothing  in  America  ever  outdid  the  rowdyism  disiilayed  on  this 
occasion.  The  figlit  lasted  forty-two  rounds,  and  the  fair  play 
was  thoroughly  in  keeping  with  those  tactics  which  had  made 
it  hard  for  the  American  chanpjion  to  train. 

From  beginning  to  end  it  was  lleenan’s  tight.  Sayers  was 
knocked  down  so  continuously  that  one  only  wonders  at  his 
ability  to  stand  jmnishment.  His  friends  and  backers  repeat- 
edly endeavored  to  take  a hand,  and  called  on  the  |)olice  to  inter- 
fere. ]\[ore  than  once  his  seconds  got  in  llcenan’s  way  and 
received  well-deserved  punishment.  At  last  it  became  simply 
an  elfort  on  the  part  of  Sayers  to  keej)  alive  until  the  police 
should  come  to  his  rescue.  This  they  did,  at  last,  in  the  forty- 
second  round,  when  Sayers’s  friends  rushed  in  and  lleenan 
promptly  and  jn’operly  cleaned  up  the  whole  ring. 


THE  IlEESAN-HAYERti  FIGHT 


41 


TRAIN’IXG  PLACE  OF  THE  “ BEXICIA  BOA’,”  WHICH  HE  WAS  AGAIN  OBLIGED  TO  LEAVE 
AGAINST  HIM  BEFORE  THE  MAGISTRATES 
by  our  artist,  Thomas  Nast,  Esq. 

York  Illustrated  News) 

“It  is  too  bad,’’  said  the  police,  “ that  two  siicli  good  men 
should  continue  to  ‘ punish  each  other,’  ” and  the  “ Benicia 
Roy  ” was  dragged  from  the  melee  and  started  for  the  train 
amid  an  excitement  that  was  well-nigh  a general  riot.  As  he 
emerged  from  the  ugly,  snarling  crowd,  he  saw  Nast. 

“ Hello,  Dragsman,”  he  said,  “ Avasn’t  it  pretty?  ’’ 

The  Knglisli  sporting  public  decided  that  it  could  not  sur- 
render the  belt,  hnt  awarded  one  to  each  of  the  chami)ions  in 
appreciation  of  the  great  “ drawn  battle,’’  and  permitted  them 
to  give  exhibitions  together,  which  on  the  whole  were  doubtless 
moi’e  profitable  than  the  fight. 

The  News  made  a vast  disiilay  of  the  i)ictoi'ial  report  of 
“ our  s])ecial  artist.”  It  devoted  an  entire  issue  to  the  great 
battle,  Avith  portraits  of  all  concerned,  including  a large  one  of 
Nast  himself,  and  another  of  A.  V.  S.  Anthony,  the  engraA’er, 
who  had  hurried  across  Avith  the  blocks,  engraving  on  ship- 


THE  IlKEXAN-SAYERS  EIGHT 


43 


hoard  as  ho  came.  In  extenuation  they  announced  that  they 
had  no  choice  in  tlie  matter.  Pugilism  had  assumed  the  first 
])lace  in  i)uhlic  iin])ortanee,  not  only  in  America,  hut  “ in  the 
whole  civilized  Avorld.  . . . ^Ve  must  not  only  he  up  to  the 
mark,”  they  said,  ” hut  put  ail  competition  under  our  feet  hy 
the  superiority  of  our  record.”  Leslie’s  efforts  in  the  same 
direction  they  denounced  in  no  feehle  terms.  Yet  Leslie,  with 
his  usual  enterprise,  had  printed  a vast  ” extra  ” in  London,  and 
this,  with  a four-page  ” authentic  ” ])icture  (also  supposed  to 
have  been  ])rc])ared  in  London,  hut  really  in  Xew  York),  was 
ready  to  sell  when  the  steamer  touched  the 
dock.  The  News  shrieked  ” Fraud!  ” at 
his  achievement  and  displayed  flaring  evi- 
dences of  its  own  trium])h  and  prosj)erity. 

Still  it  did  not  remit,  and  ” our  special 
artist  ” was  ])resently  wholly  without 
means.  Doubtless  he  was  greatly  sus- 
tained dui'ing  this  trying  period  hy  those 
delicate  missives  which  came  hy  every 
steamer;  hut  such  notes,  however  welcome, 
are  not  negotial)le,  and  there  are  certain  material  comforts  which 
mere  sentiment  cannot  su))ply. 

And  now,  all  at  once,  there  came  news  of  the  invasion  of  Italy 
hy  Garibaldi,  the  Italian  ” Liberator.”  In  spite  of  homesick- 
ness and  the  girl  beyond  the  sea,  the  young  artist  who  had  been 
horn  in  the  barracks  of  Landau  felt  all  the  old  love  of  the  mili- 
tary revive  within  him,  and  with  it  an  eagerness  to  join  the 
legions  of  the  red  shirt,  whereby  he  might  draw  pictures  of  battle 
on  the  field  itself. 

There  was  an  inviting  nuwket  for  his  work,  for  besides 
the  pa])er  in  Xew  York,  in  which  he  still  had  ho])o,  the  London 
Xews  was  willing  to  use  his  sketches,  though  ho  did  not  feel 
justified  in  asking  them  for  expense  money.  He  was  beginning 


UEl’OKTEK  OF  THE  LON- 
DON SPORTING  LIFE 
(From  pen  sketcli) 


-14 


THOMAS  AAST 


to  despair,  when  lie  met  lleeuan,  to  whom  he  confessed  his  diffi- 
culties. 

“ Why,”  said  Ileenan,  “ we’ll  fix  that.  I’ve  no  money,  hut 
I’ll  get  an  advance  from  the  fellow  that’s  going  to  have  Sayers 
and  me  in  a jiuhlic  exhiliition.” 

lie  did,  in  fact,  produce  twenty  pounds  that  same  afternoon. 
Xast  gave  him  in  exchange  an  order  on  the  New  York  News 
for  one  hundred  dollars,  and  a second  for  a like  amount  on  his 
mother,  in  case  the  one  on  the  News  should  not  be  imid.  Heeuan 
tore  up  the  oi’der  on  Nast’s  mother. 

“ I’ll  make  them  pay  me,'’  he  said,  and  he  did.  A\'hen  asked 
later  how  he  accomplished  it— for  the  News  was  in  difficul- 
ties—he  laughed.  “ I told  them  I’d  punch  their  d. d Dutch 

heads  off,”  he  exjilained,  “ if  they  didn’t  pay,”  and  Nast  wished 
he  had  given  Ileenan  his  full  account  for  collection. 


THE  TKOI’HIES  FOK  WHICH  HEEXAN  AND 
SAYERS  FOUGHT 
(From  jioncil  sketch) 


('IlArTKK*  Yll 

ox  TIIK  WAY  TO  (;AltIHALl)I 

No  fi^^ure  in  all  the  woi'M’s  wai’fare  can  bo  more  pictures(]UO 
or  nol)le  than  that  of  Giusoi)])o  (Jaribaldi,  a ])atriot  whose  religion 
and  whose  motto  were  eomhined  in  the  one  word,  “ Liberty.” 
I?rave  to  the  ])oint  of  rashness,  sim])le-hearted,  unselfish  and 
])iire  in  spirit,  he  may  be  eonnted  the  military  Sir  (Jalahad  of 
modern  times,  forever  seeking  the  golden  grail  of  Freedom. 

The  name  of  Garibaldi  was  literally  one  to  eonjnre  with.  At 
sonnd  of  it,  armies  ecpiipped  and  eager  for  war  spr’ang  np  as  if 
by  magie.  In  youth,  exiled  from  his  native  land  for  insurrec- 
tion, he  had  become  the  foremost  hero  of  Sontli  America,  where, 
against  fearful  odds,  he  had  battled  on,  ])enniless,  half-fed,  lialf- 
clothed;  captured,  imprisoned  and  tortured}  wounded  again  and 
again,  yet  never  despairing  and  never  sheathing  his  sword. 
Triumphant,  and  a world’s  hei-o,  he  had  returned  to  his  native 
land,  once  more  to  cjffer  his  sword  in  that  cause  which  of  all  the 
gifts  of  earth  he  held  most  dear. 

lie  liad  found  Italy  in  a pitialde  state.  There  was  no  central 
government  and  no  union.  Petty  dynasties  dominated  by  Aus- 
tria were  wrangling  among  themselves  and  allowing  a beautiful 
country  to  go  to  ruin.  It  was  for  Garibaldi,  the  fisherman’s  son, 
to  conquer,  to  abolish  and  to  reform.  AVliat  Joan  of  Arc  had 
been  to  France,  so  Garibaldi  became  to  Italy. 


4G 


THOMAS  XAST 


Inspired  and  aided  by  the  patriot  Mazziiii,  AA’liose  pupil  and 
follower  he  was,  he  had  made  a noble  and  well-nigh  successful 
effort  in  1848,  defeated  only  through  the  treachery  of  France. 
XoAV,  in  I860,  the  hour  once  more  seemed  proi)itious.  Though 


THE  **  CAFE  DELLA  CONCORDIA,”  AT  GENOA,  THE  PRINCIPAL  ilEETING  PLACE  OF  THE 
FRIENDS  AND  SYMPATHIZERS  OF  GAHIIiALDI 
From  a sketch  taken  on  the  spot  l)y  our  own  artist,  'I’h.  Nast,  Es«p 
( Ui'IT  xlured  from  the  New  York  lllustratetl  News) 

ostensil)ly  discoui’aged  by  most  of  the  monai’chs  of  Europe, 
including  his  own  sovereign,  the  Piedmontese  king,  Victor 
Emmanuel,  ho  Avas  secretly  indorsed  by  such  PoAvers  as  Avere  not 
in  alliance  Avith  Austria,  and  Avas  assisted  to  some  extent  Avith 
money  and  arms,  (’haracterized  as  the  “ Great  Eilibustei’, ” and 
Avith  no  regular  orders  from  king  or  country,  he  set  u])  the  Pied- 
mont ])anner  at  Genoa,  and  the  veterans  of  1848,  Avith  a horde 
of  other  soldiers  of  fortune,  rallied  to  his  standard. 

It  was  this  great  final  attem))t  for  Italian  union  and  freedom 
AA'hicli  young  Thomas  Xast  had  determined  to  join.  The  j)ictiir- 


ox  THE  IV AY  TO  GAIUHALDI 


47 


escjiie,  impetuous  (Jaribaldi  was  just  the  figure  to  attract  a boy 
artist,  full  of  roiuauee  aud  military  memories. 

Xast’s  fiiiaueial  eomplicatious  bad  made  liiiii  late  iii  starting. 
Already,  upon  bis  arrival  at  Genoa,  Garibaldi  had  conveyed  two 
shiploads  of  bis  recruits  to  Sicily — the  famous  “ thousand,” 
aud  had  conquered  at  C^alatafimi  aud  captured  Palermo. 
Through  the  American  consul,  however,  the  artist  learned  that 
two  more  vessels,  the  ” 'Washington  ” aud  the  ” Oregon,”  were 
making  ready  to  follow.  At  the  Cafe  della  C^oncordia,  the  fa- 
vorite resort  of  Garibaldians  in  Genoa,  he  was  introduced  to 
Caj^tain  (afterwards  Colonel)  .John  AV.  I’eard,  one  of  the  veter- 


THE  EMBARKATION  EUR  SICILY  ON  THE  “ OREGON  ” AM)  THE  “ WASHINGTON  ’ 

(From  the  original  sketch) 


aus  of  1848,  aud  known  as  “ Garibaldi’s  Englishman  ”;  also  to 
others  of  that  valiant  and  variegated  band.  Nast  must  have 
made  a favorable  impression  on  the  Garibaldians,  for  he  was 
allowed  to  join  the  second  expedition,  which  was  to  be  com- 
manded by  Colonel  ]\redici,  an  Italian  nobleman,  devoted  to 


4S 


THOMAS  XAST 


riiiribaldi.  On  June  9th,  with 
ra])tain  Peard,  Xast  went  on 
boai'd  tlie  ‘‘  "Washinpdon.”  To 
all  a]>pearances  she  was  an 
American  vessel,  foi-  the  Stars 
and  Stri])es  floated  al)Ove  her, 
doubtless  with  the  connivance, 
certainly  with  the  consent,  of  the 
United  States  officials.  At  mid- 
night they  were  under  way  for 
Sicily  and  war. 

There  was  much  to  enliven 
the  voyage.  The  Garibaldians 
were  of  every  rank  and  nation. 
Their  talk  was  a ])abel  of 
confused  tongues.  iMen  of  title 
were  there— some  of  them  as 
officers,  bearing  their  own  names— othei’s  as  privates,  wear- 
ing any  name  that  might  suit  the  occasion  and  perhai)s  conceal 
a past  that  was  better  forgotten.  Men  had  forsaken  every  j)ro- 
fession  and  trade,  their  homes  and  their  sweethearts,  to  engage 
in  the  trade  of  war.  ]\len  had  even  broken  out  of  jail  to  join  the 
ex])edition  that  was  to  five  Italy,  They  danced,  they  gamed  and 
they  sang.  Their  music  floated  out  over  the  Mediterranean,  and 
brought  joy  to  such  as  were  not  too  seasick  to  be  hajipy. 

fl’here  were  otlu'r  diversions.  An  officer  who  called  himself 
De  Jvohan,  a fire-eating  soldier  of  fortune — a brave  man  Imt  a 
fretful  soul — was  constantly  hurrying  aliout  the  deck,  giving 
orders  and  jireparing  for  an  attack  from  those  Xeapolitan  gun- 
boats which  he  avowed  must  ])resently  swoop  down  and  destroy 
them.  TT))on  the  young  artist  in  ])articular  he  strove  to  impress 
the  fierce  dangers  of  war,  as  well  as  the  desiraliility  of  getting 
back  to  Ids  molhei-  at  the  first  opjiortunity.  'When  at  last  a sus- 


ON  THE  JVAY  TO  GAIUBALDI 


41» 


picious  vessel  really  api)enre(l  ui)on  the  horizon,  l)e  Koliaii  came 
striding  aft,  shonting,  “ ]\lak'o  yourself  useful,  young  man! 
Don’t  flinch!  ” And  the  young  man  promptly  made  himself 
useful  by  helping  to  hoist  the  American  flag,  kept  handy  for 
such  emergencies. 

They  reached  Sicily  safely,  arriving  off  Castelamare,  on  the 
night  of  June  17th.  Earh'  next  morning  Nast,  standing  on  the 
how  of  the  “ AVashington,”  saw  a fishing  boat  coming  through 
the  mist.  It  was  pulled  by  sturdy  red-shirted  men,  and  one  of 
these,  as  they  came  under  the  bow,  leaned  over  to  wash  his 
hands  in  the  sea.  Captain  Peard  came  up  just  then. 

“ "Why,”  he  said,  “ it’s  Caribaldi!  ” 

And  so  it  was.  The  great  leader  with  a few  fishermen  had 
rowed  over  from  Palermo,  a distance  of  perhaps  forty  miles,  to 
receive  his  reinforcements,  and  to  make  known  his  commands. 
Amid  cheers  of  welcome,  he  came  on  board  to  confer  with 
Medici  and  Peard.  Then,  once  more,  he  took  his  seat  in  the 

fishing  boat,  laid  hold  of  an  oar, 
like  the  others,  and  pulled  away 
into  the  mist.  The  (piiet  unpre- 
tentiousness of  this  man  who 
held  in  his  hand  the  fortunes  of 
a nation  made  an  impression  on 
the  young  artist  which  the  years 
never  effaced.  Garibaldi  was  his 
hero  from  that  hour. 

They  landed  and  marched 
th  rough  the  country  already  pos- 
sessed by  the  “ thousand.”  It 
was  rough  life  and  hard  march- 
ing. Sometimes  the  artist  had  a 
horse,  ajid  he  learned  to  sleep  in 
the  saddle.  Once  he  travelled  all 


GENEHAI,  MEDICI,  18ti0 
(From  Niist’s  sketch-book) 


50 


THOMAS  XAST 


GAltlUALDI  WELCOMING  HIS  HEINFORCEMENTS 
(From  a damagcU  sketch.  l)y  Nast) 


night  in  a springless  wagon  with  (’aptain  IVard,  to  whom  lie 
presently  beeaine  “ doe,  the  fat  hoy  of  Pickwick,”  and  a close 
friend.  Yet  it  was  a triunpihal  march.  The  Sicilians  rejoiced  in 
their  freedom  from  the  galling  yoke  of  the  Xea})olitans— the 
troops  were  greeted  with  hands  of  music,  and  lavishly  entertained. 

The  expedition  reached  Palermo  and  (larihaldi  on  the  21st  of 
June.  Garibaldi  rode  out  to  meet  the  army  and  was  greeted 
with  the  wildest  enthnsiasm.  A little  later  the  patriot  chief, 
arrayed  only  in  gray  trousers  and  the  red  fisherman’s  .shiid  to 
which  he  has  given  his  name,  welcomed  his  officers  to  the  royal 
]:>alace,  where  he  had  established  head(piarters.  Upon  De  Po- 
han’s  introduction  the  Liberator  held  out  his  hand  to  Xast. 

“ T am  glad  to  make  your  acquaintance,”  he  said.  “ As  you 
are  a friend  of  my  friend  De  Kohan,  you  are  my  friend  also.” 


CHAPTER  VHl 


WITJI  (GARIBALDI 

AVitli  Peard  and  other  officers,  Xast  stopj)ed  at  the  Hotel  Tri 
nacria,  and  next  morning  set  out  early  to  view  the  city.  And 
now,  for  the  first  time,  he  realized  some  of  the  horrors  of  war. 
Tliere  had  been  a fierce  bombardment  from  the  Neapolitan  ves- 
sels, also  from  the  Palermo  citadel  and  royal  palace,  before  the 
final  surrender.  Ruined  palaces  were  on  every  hand.  Whole 
districts  were  in  ashes.  ]n  some  of  the  houses,  families  had  been 
burned  alive.  A multitude  of  men  and  women,  led  by  monks  and 
armed  with  ])ickaxes,  were  destroying  the  hated  citadel  whose 
capture  had  cost  them  so  much.  Of  this  scene  the  artist  made 
a careful  sketch,  which  a])peared  in  the  London  News  of 
July  28th. 

All  Palermo  was  wild  with  excitement.  “ Garibaldi  ” was 
the  name  on  every  lip.  Red  shirts,  red  skirts,  red  feathers  and 
red  ribbons  billowed  everywhere  like’  a tossing  vennilion  sea. 
The  price  of  red  cloth  doubled,  trebled,  quintupled.  The  young 
artist  hastened  to  secure  himself  a red  shirt  before  the  supply 
was  exhausted,  also  the  proper  trousers,  and  a hat  as  nearly  like 
Garibaldi’s  as  he  could  find.*  Then  he  strapped  on  a large  knife, 
such  as  the  Sicilian  grocers  use  to  cut  cheese,  and  felt  ecpiipped 

* Giirihiildi  once  told  Nast  that  the  idea  of  nsinji  the  ‘‘  re<l  shirt”  uniform  liad  been 
siijigested  to  him  by  the  dress  of  the  New  York  City  firemen. 


52 


THOMAS  XAST 


for  Avai'.  At  ni^lit  he  attended 
a llieatre,  where  tlie  representa- 
tion was  of  recent  events,  and 
an  actor,  overcome  l)y  a frenzy 
of  excitenieiit,  died  with  the 
name  of  Gariljaldi  on  his  li])s. 

Indeed,  (laril)aldi  liad  l)ecome 
to  tlie  Sicilians  a secoiid  iNIes- 
siah.  ]\fany  of  tliem  really  be- 
lieved him  to  he  so.  TTis  ene- 
mies declared  that  he  had  sold 
his  soul  to  the  devil,  and  could 
sliake  tlieir  bullets  fi'om  his 
body  into  his  loose  red  shirt  and 
eini)ty  them  out  at  his  leisure.* 
The  artist  could  never  vouch  for 
this  story,  as  he  did  not  see  the 
bullets.  What  impressed  him  most  Avas  the  simplicity  of  the 
great  commander’s  life.  Calling  one  morning  at  the  ))alace,  he 
found  Garibaldi  at  a breakfast  Avhich  consisted  of  nothing  more 
than  a little  fruit,  some  bread  and  a glass  of  Avater. 

Through  Captain  Peard,  who  had  ])roved  a true  friend— ad- 
Amncing  money  Avhen  remittances  wei‘e  delayed— Xast  was  ])er- 
mitted  to  take  a run  uj)  to  Naples  on  an  English  man-o’-Avar. 
He  found  Naples  in  a state  of  mighty  excitement.  A review 
of  Nea])olitan  soldiers  by  their  Bourbon  king,  Francis  H.,  had 
resulted  in  a sanguinary  riot.  EAmrywhere  were  the  ])ortraits 
and  colors  of  Garibaldi.  Evidently  the  inhabitants  Avere  ready 
to  receiAm  their  compierors  with  open  arms.  With  the  olhcers 
of  the  English  vessel,  Nast  went  over  the  city  and  made  a trip 
to  Pompeii.  Then  he  was  Ioav  in  funds  again,  and  the  remittance 
he  had  expected  at  Naples  did  not  come. 

* “ Life  of  Garibaldi,”  by  J.  'I'licodore  Lent. 


NAST  AS  A GAUIBALUIAN 
(July,  1860) 


JVITII  (1 A HI  BALD  I 


53 


“ Artist  of  tlie  111.  News,”  lie  wrote  on  a card,  to  identify 
himself  with  the  landlord,  to  whom  he  owed  a respectable  bill. 
“ When  I come  back,  with  (laribaldi,  I will  pay  you.” 

The  landlord  studied  the  card  carefully. 

“ You  are  artist  of  ze  ill  news.  Dat  mean  liad  news?  ” 

Xast  explained.  The  landlord  took  ten  piasters  from  his 
money  drawer  and  laid  them  before  his  j^uest. 

“ Do  you  mean  that  you  will  advance  me  that?  ” gasped  the 
artist. 

'Fhe  money  was  pushed  toward  him  without  further  comment. 
Two  months  later,  when  he  returned  as  he  had  promised,  the 
landlord  refused  to  accept  iiayment  or  even  to  remember 
the  transaction.  It  was  a Neapolitan  way  of  contributing  to  the 
(Jaribaldian  cause. 

Xast  returned  to  Palermo  just  in  time  to  see  Garibaldi’s  troop 
shijis  leaving  for  ^Milazzo,  the  next  point  of  compiest.  He  followed 
on  another  vessel  which  sailed  the  same  evening,  arriving  on  the 
following  afternoon  to  find  that 
he  was  once  more  too  late  for 
the  fighting.  ]\Iilazzo  had  fallen 
on  the  2()tli,  after  a stubbom 
defence.  Only  the  citadel  still 
remained  in  the  enemy’s  hands. 

Closed  shops  and  the  ruin  of 
battle  everywhere  confronted 
him.  He  went  about  and  made 
sketches,  and,  tired  and  with- 
out food,  slept  that  night  on 
paving  stones. 

The  surrender  of  the  citadel 
took  place  on  the  25th  of  July, 
instead  of  the  21st,  as  has  been 
erroneously  stated.  General 


THOMAS  NAST 


bA 

l>oseo,  a Neapolitan  couiniaiider  who  had  really  made  a fierce 
resistance,  marched  out,  followed  by  his  army.  This  must  have 
been  humiliation  for  the  proud  Bosco,  who  hut  very  recently 
had  referred  to  his  enemies  as  “ those  ragged  (laribaldians.” 
Xast  made  sketches  of  this  and  other  scenes  of  the  day,  and  his 
pictures  were  used  on  both  sides  of  the  water,  with  pay  from 
only  one,  though  the  New  York  News  continued  to  boast  of 
“ our  own  special  artist  with  Garibaldi.” 

At  Milazzo  many  Neai)olitans  came  over  to  the  Garibaldian 
ranks— glad  to  be  captured— glad  to  escape  from  that  terrible 
citadel,  where  dead  men  lay  unburied  in  the  sun,  and  where  the 
wells  were  as  poison.  A })owder  train  was  found  laid  to  the 
magazine,  ready  for  explosion,  though  Bosco  denied  all  knowl- 
edge of  this  violation  of  the  code  of  arms. 

The  Garibaldians  now  moved  on  to  IMessina,  where  the  in- 
liabitants,  hardly  knoAving  what  to  expect,  had  put  out  to  sea, 

in  boats  of  every  descrip- 
tion. But  the  Bourbon 
forces  at  ]\Iessina  did  not 
care  to  fight.  The  very 
name  of  Garibaldi,  and 
the  fact  of  his  arrival, 
were  sufficient  for  their 
comjuest.  Finding  there 
was  to  be  no  battle,  the 
citizens  returned  and 
])ulled  down  all  the  Bour- 
bon emblems,  including 
a statue  of  Francis  II. 
The  streets  were  quickly 
filled  with  red  costumes 
and  dancing.  The  ])ublic 
square  became  a vast 


GARIBALDI,  “ DICTATOR  OK  ITALY 
(From  Nast's  sketch-book) 


IVITH  GARIBALDI 


55 


ballroom.  Nast  made  many  sketches  of  these  characteristic 
scenes. 

From  this  time  on  until  the  siege  of  Caitua,  on  the  Volturuo, 
beyond  Naples,  the  Garihaldian  expedition  has  l)een  termed  a 

military  promenade.”  There  was  some  sharp  fighting  at 
Keggio,  just  after  crossing  the  straits,  hut  for  the  most  })art  the 
awe-stricken  and  lialf-starved  Nea])olitans  were  only  too  eager 
to  lay  down  their  arms  and  he  taken  into  camp. 

Support  now  came  from  all  quarters.  p]nglish  recruits— 
cliiefly  sportsmen  who  hoped  to  hag  a few  Neapolitans,  pheasant 
shooting  having  l)een  rather  ])oor  at  home— were  constantly  ar- 
riving, while  the  English  navy,  under  Admiral  iNIundy,  was  al- 
ways lingering  about  to  get  in  the  enemy’s  way.  When  Mundy 
was  absent  and  danger  threatened,  the  American  flag  did 
good  service.  The  champion  of  liberty  was  no  longer  the 
” Great  Filibuster,”  l)ut  the  ” Commander  of  the  Army  of  the 
South  ” with  the  three  ]Ms— men,  muskets  and  money— at  his 
command.  His  forces  numbered  fully  forty  thousand  men,  well 
disciplined  and  Avell  equi})ped.  All  his  life  long,  against  every 
obstacle,  he  had  yearned  and  fought  for  this  recognition.  Now, 
at  last,  it  had  come  to  him.  He  was  Dictator  of  Italy,  with  the 
victor’s  laurels  within  reach. 


I 


BOUND  FOIt  KAI’LES.  ONE  OF  THE  DAYS  WHEN  ‘‘JOE”  HAD  A IIOKSE 
(From  ]x;ncil  sketdi) 


(’I  I AFTER  JX 
ox  TO  xaplf:s 

The  march  northward  was  not  warfare,  save  as  it  may  be  pre- 
sented in  the  o|>era  l)ouffe.  Tlie  Neapolitan  troo]>s  literally  fell 
over  one  another  to  surrender  their  arms  and  he  safe.  Heavy 
firing  sometimes  took  place,  hut  only  for  stage  effect  and  at 
very  long  range.  The  cannon  balls,  when  they  did  reach,  came 
hounding  along  like  baseballs,  and  were  sometimes  caught  by 
the  soldiers.  At  one  point,  Neapolitan  officers  who  had  not  as 
3’et  had  a chance  to  surrender,  sent  a messenger  to  apologize  for 
the  shots  of  the  night  before,  offering  as  an  e.xcuse  that  the  men 
were  restive  and  difficult  to  control.  Doubtless  this  was  true. 
They  were  eager  for  the  moment  of  surrender,  and  celebrating 
its  approach. 

The  Garihaldian  officers  now  travelled  as  rapidly  as  they 
pleased.  Colonel  Peard  had  been  ordered  to  go  ahead  and  spy 
out  the  promised  land,  and  Nast  accompanied  him.  Peard  rode 


ON  TO  NAPLES 


57 


a rather  bony  horse,  while  “ .Joe,  the  fat  boy,”  was  usually 
mounted  on  a small,  but  loud-lunged  jackass,  so  that  the  two 
bore  considerable  resemblance  to  Don  (j)uixote  and  his  faithful 
squire.  Now  and  again,  weary  with  riding,  the  “ fat  boy  ” 
would  nod,  and  Peard  would  call  to  him: 

“ Now,  Joe,  you're  asleep  again,”  or,  “ Don’t  go  to  slee}),  .Joe, 
you  rascal!  ” And  so  they  wiled  away  the  long,  hot  Italian 
afternoons.  Much  of  the  time  they  were  wholly  unescorted;  yet, 
in  the  midst  of  the  enemy’s  country  though  they  were,  they  did 
not  feel  especially  afraid,  for  the  Neapolitans  had  been  awe- 
stricken by  the  name  of  the  ai)})roaching  Garibaldi,  and  were 
only  too  anxious  to  fire  their  last  few  shots  in  the  air  and  come 
cai)ering  into  their  conqueror’s  camp. 

Sometimes,  at  the  villages,  I’eard  was  mistaken  for  Garibaldi, 
whom  he  slightly  resembled,  and  the  inhabitants  flocked  about, 
kissing  his  hand  and  calling  him  their  i)reserver.  Even  the  fat 
boy  on  the  noisy  donkey  received  attention. 

This  mistaking  of  Colonel  Peard  for  Garibaldi  resulted  in 
certain  incidents  that  should  not  be  overlooked  by  the  writers  of 
opera  bouffe.  Arriving  one  afternoon  at  tbe  crest  of  a hill,  the 
advance  guard  of  two  suddenly  found  itself  face  to  face  with  a 
large  Neapolitan  detachment.  Quick  volleys  of  handkerchiefs 
were  fired,  i.  e.,  waved,  on  both  sides.  Then  the  pseudo  Gari- 
baldi and  his  loyal  scpiire  sallied  down  and  accepted  the  joyful 
surrender  of  an  army,  with  artillery  and  side-arms.  Still  far- 
ther on,  when  the  advance  guard  had  lain  down  in  a vineyard 
for  a brief  siesta,  it  awoke  to  find  itself  surrounded  by  a Nea- 
politan anny  of  seven  thousand  men.  Peard  proni{)tly  asked  to 
be  taken  to  the  commander.  This  time  he  did  not  impersonate 
Garibaldi,  but  merely  said, 

“ You  are  our  prisoners— Garil^aldi  is  close  behind.” 

The  officer  regarded  him  doubtfully— uncertain  as  to  wlietber 
he  was  really  their  prisonei’,  or  they  his.  Nast  was  despatched 


58 


THOMAS  NAST 


to  bring  uj)  the  General  and  thus  settle  the  matter.  This  he  did 
without  loss  of  time. 

He  found  Garibaldi  eoml)ing  his  hair  sailor  fashion,  before  a 
small  mirror,  while  his  soldiers  rested. 

“ Tell  them  I’ll  be  along  to  accept  their  surrender  by  the  time 
they  get  the  paj)ers  ready,”  he  laughed. 

Nast  returned  with  the  great  commander’s  message,  and  a little 
later  Garibaldi’s  appearance  in  ])crson  ended  all  dispute.  Far- 


■■  IX  CALAUHIA.”  A HALT  AT  A WAVSIUK  HOSTELKY 
(Krom  pencil  sketch) 

ther  along.  Colonel  I’eard  accomplished  the  evacuation  of  Sa- 
lerno merely  by  sending  a telegram  over  Garil)aldi’s  signature. 

The  Pinglish  siiortsmen  who  had  come  out  to  ])ot  a few  Nea- 
politans began  to  conpilain  of  their  hard  luck.  They  were  to 
have  theii'  (*hance  on  the  Voltunio,  where  the  Bourl)on  dynasty 
under  Francis  II.  made  its  last  stand.  For  the  present,  however, 
they  gruml)led  at  uneventful  marclies  under  the  hot  sun  and 
through  the  miasmatic  swamps  that  set  their  l)ones  aching  and 
filled  their  veins  with  fever. 

But  to  return  to  our  gallant  ]>air  of  coiupierors.  Just  before 


ON  TO  NAPLES 


59 


reaching  Salenio,  they  were  informed  that  some  gendarmes  were 
coming  in  that  direction,  seeking  trouble.  Here  was  a real  dan- 
ger. The  gendarmes  were  Neapolitan  police  and  under  no  obli- 
gations to  surrender.  Peard  drew  his  sword  and  Nast  his  trusty 
cheese  knife.  Then  they  secluded  themselves  in  the  brush  and 
waited  foi-  the  squad  to  pass.  This  was  humiliating,  of  course, 
after  accei)ting  the  surrender  of  thousands,  but  the  thousands 
had  been  in  a surrendering  mood.  They  lay  in  breathless  silence, 
praying  fervently  that  the  donkey  would  restrain  any  ambition 
lie  might  have  to  voice  his  feelings.  Perhaps  he  was  alive  to  the 
situation, for  he  merely  wagged  his  ears  in  silence, and  the  danger 
])assed. 

After  Salerno,  donkeys,  horses  and  even  carriages  were  no 
longer  needed. 

Here  (1  a r i - 
baldi  and  his 
faithful  ones 
took  the  train 
for  Naples. 

But  it  was  a 
train  t h a t 
moved  a t a 
snail’s  pace. 

On  either  side 
was  a vast 
cavalcade  of 
cheering,  wav- 
ing men  and 
women.  At 
times,  t h e 
engineer  was 
obliged  to 
halt,  to  avoid 


“ APi-EAltS  l.\  THK  THKATUE,  .\T  .NAPLES  ” 

(From  )K'ticil  sketcli) 


60 


THOMAS  XAST 


THE  TRH"MI>HAL  ENTRY  OF  GARIBALDI  INTO  NAPLES 
(F’roin  a drawing  l>y  Nast  in  the  New  York  Illnstnited  News) 

cnisliiiig'  the  eaj»;er  ones  who  crowded  ujion  the  ti’aek  ahead.  At 
every  station,  a throng-  swarmed  over  the  eoaehes  and  filled  the 
engine. 

Arrived  at  Naples,  the  guard  kept  a sendilanee  of  order  in 
the  station  Imt  jiist  outside  pandemonium  had  broken  loose, 
(’rowds  shouted  and  sang  and  daneed  in  a perfeet  delirium 
of  joy.  ‘Mdva  (farilialdi ! \'iva  ^dttorio  Emmanuele!  Viva 
ritalia!  ” was  on  every  lij).  Only  at  the  gloomy  garrison  of 
St.  p]lmo  were  those— Bourbon  officers  and  gunners— who  as  yet 
took  no  ])art  in  tlie  triumph.  Their  guns  were  trained  on  the  car- 
riage of  (Jaribaldi  and  his  staff.  And  Crarihaldi  knew  that  they 
were  there— that  the  guns  were  shotted— that  the  gunners  stood 
by  with  lighted  fuse. 

“ Drive  slower,”  he  said  to  the  nervous  coaeliman.  “ Stop!  ” 
and  tlie  carriage  halted  directly  before  the  guns. 


UN  TO  NAPLES 


“ Fire!  ” eommaiided  the  l>ourl)on  officers.  “ Fire!  Fire!" 

But  Garibaldi  had  risen  in  liis  carriage  and  was  looking  di- 
rectly at  the  artillerymen.  And  then,  all  at  once,  the  gunners 
threw  away  their  fuses,  and  dinging  their  ca})S  high  in  the  air 
shouted  with  the  multitude. 

Viva  Garihaldi ! Viva  Vittorio  Kmmannele!  Viva  I’ltalia!  ” 


Xow  came  riotous  days  of  rejoicing  at  Xaples,  and  voting  for 
the  annexation  of  X^aples  and  Sicily  to  Piedmont,  with  Victor 
Emmanuel  as  king.  The  result  was  almost  unanimous  for  union, 
and  the  beginning  of  the  great  end  for  which  Garihaldi  had 
struggled  and  fought  was  at  hand.  Xast  made  sketches  of  the 
election,  of  the  streets  and  of  whatever  appealed  to  him  as  })ic- 
turescpie  or  important;  also,  a number  of  characteristic  water- 
color  ]iaintings— striking  hits  of  Italian  life  and  scenery— four 
of  which  are  still  ])reserved.  He  accompanied  Garihaldi  to  the 
shrine  of  Piedigrotta,  and  of  this  made  a large  drawing  for  the 
London  Xews.  September  27th  being  the  artist’s  birthday,  his 
military  friends  gave  him  a feast  to  be  remembered. 

On  October  1st  began  the  fighting  before  Gai)ua  and  along 
the  Volturno,  where  Francis  11.,  with  forty  thousand  adherents, 
made  a final  determined  stand.  Here,  at  length,  was  genuine 
warfare.  Xast  (‘limbed  Santa  J\laria  Hill  for  a view  of  the  field. 
At  first  there  seemed  to  be  panic  among  the  Garibaldians.  Then 
the  great  commander  himself  an-ived  and  the  troojis  rallied. 
Vet  it  seemed  to  the  observer  that  vast  confusion  reigned  beloAV. 
Kunaway  horses  tore  through  the  ranks.  Fallen  men  were  all 
about,  and  scores  of  wounded  were  dragging  themselves  from 
the  fray.  The  English  s])ortsmen  had  found  amusement  at  last. 

Presently  a shell  ex])loded  not  far  away. 

“ I’retty  close,”  said  an  officer  who  stood  near. 

Another  shell  passed  still  closer,  and  fell  a few  yards  distant. 

“On  your  faces!”  shouted  the  officer,  aiid  the  spectators 


THOMAS  XAST 


rolled  over  like  automatons.  “ All  right!  81ie’s  dead!  ” called 
the  spokesman  a moment  later,  and  once  more,  though  rather 
reluctantly,  the  audience  sat  up. 

“ Guess  I’ve  got  sketches  enough,”  said  Xast. 

Th’esently  there  was  a little  sally  of  infantry  up  the  hill,  to 


capture  the  S]>ectators.  It  was  a futile  atteni})!.  The  spectators 
were  not  handicapped  with  arms.  Even  the  artist,  short  and  fat 
and  laden  with  a sketch  hook,  escaped.  He  decided  that  he  had 
seen  enough  war,  and  returned  to  Naples  that  night. 

A few  days  later,  at  Caserta,  Garibaldi,  victor  over  all,  sat 
to  him  for  his  imrtrait.  The  great  general— foremost  figure  in 
the  public  eye,  lauded  to  the  skies,  besieged  and  beset  for  favors 
by  thousands  of  men  and  women  of  all  nations— was  ])atient  and 
polite  during  the  sketching,  and  left,  as  usual,  the  impression 
of  being  the  gentle-hearted  patriot  that  he  was. 

And  so  the  war  ended.  King  Francis  had  retired  to  the  citadel 
of  Gaeta,  and  Garibaldi  at  last  confronted  the  Army  of  the  North, 


\ 


! 


8110UTHAND  BATrLE  SKETCH  ON  THE  VOLTUUNU. 

HAND  P'lGHT  ” 


HAND  TO 


ON  TO  NAPLES 


()3 

commanded  by  Victor  Emmanuel,  king  of  Italy  united.  On  a 
morning  early,  each  at  the  head  of  his  army,  these  two  met— 
the  sovereign  and  the  fisherman’s  son  who  had  won  for  him  a 
crown.  It  was  the  supreme  moment  of  (laribaldi’s  life.  The 
vast  concourse  looking  on  were  for  an  instant  silent.  Then,  as, 
leaning  from  their  horses,  king  and  soldier  clasped  hands,  there 
arose  once  more  the  oft-rei)eated  shout  that  told  of  Italy  free. 
The  conqueror’s  mission  was  accomplished.  lie  had  defeated 
the  invader,  he  had  united  a nation,  he  had  crowned  a king. 
Alas,  that  nations  are  not  always  just,  nor  kings  often  grateful! 

A few  days  later  the  Liberator  bade  good-by  to  his  friends  and 
followers.  Among  his  soldiers  he  distril)uted  medals.  Ilis  voice 
failed  as  he  took  leave  of  them,  while  they,  in  turn,  wept  at  the 
parting.  Then,  penniless  as  he  had  begun  the  struggle,  having 
borrowed  a few  pounds  with  which  to  pay  his  debts,  he  set  out 
for  his  home,  (^aprera,  a small  barren  island  off  tbe  Sardinian 
coast.  In  return  for  his  great  gifts  to  Italy  and  her  king,  he 
had  acce):)ted  only  the  assurance  that  his  army  should  be  car(‘d 
for— a promise  readily  made,  and  never  fulfilled.  Nast  saw  him 
for  the  last  time  on  board  the  English  flagship  “ Hannibal,” 
where  Garil>aldi  l)ade  farewell  to  Admiral  Mundy,  who  had  ren- 
dered him  faithful  service. 

It  was  the  “ Lil)erator’s  ” final  word  of  good-by.  The  steam- 
ship “ Washington  ” was  waiting  for  him,  and  a little  laloi 
was  hull-down  on  the  horizon,  leaving  a free  and  united  Italy 
behind. 


(’IIAPTKH.  X 


llOMK 

On  Friday,  November  30,  ISbO,  the  young  artist,  Thomas 
Nast,  bade  good-by  to  his  friends  of  Italy.  Colonel  Peard  kissed 
him,  as  a father  would  a son.  Their  adventurous  association 
had  made  them  lifelong  friends. 

In  his  journey  northward  he  passed  l)y  CJaeta,  where  Francis 
II.  was  still  besieged.  A feeble  and  desultory  bombardment  was 
in  progress,  and  Nast  and  two  travelling  companions  paused 
to  observe  it.  Xhist  was  sketching,  when  suddenly  they  were 
surrounded  by  soldiers  and  put  under  arrest,  bhuends  were  far 
behind,  at  Naples.  The  strange  soldiers  jeered  at  them  as  they 
were  marched  away. 

They  were  taken  before  the  commanding  officer,  who  was  din- 
ing in  good  style  on  the  veranda  of  a handsome  hotel.  A band 
near  by  was  making  excellent  music.  The  cai)tain  ex])lained  who 
the  pi'isoners  were  and  added  that  they  seemed  hungry;  where- 
u))on  th('  commandant  invited  them  to  dine,  ^fhey  acce])ted, 
highly  ])leased  at  their  ca])tui’e.  Now  and  then  a shell  burst 
near  by,  but  the  music  did  not  stoj),  and  the  dining  went  on.  It 
was  the  last  s))ectaeular  touch  of  a picturesque  and  theatrical 
war. 

After  dinner  they  were  discharged,  and  Nast  set  out  for  Koine. 
Here  he  visited  the  galleries,  also  the  Coliseum,  which  made  a 


r 


5 


FAKEWELL  VISIT  OF  GARIBALDI  TO  ADMIRAL  MUNDY  ON  BOARD  THE  “ HANNIBAL  ” AT  NAPLES 
(Reproduced  from  the  London  Illustrated  News.  Drawn  by  Thomas  Nast.  Redrawn  on  wood  by  John  Gilbert.  Engraved  by  W.  L.  Thomas) 


GG 


THOMAS  XAST 


mighty  impression  on  the  artist,  lie  made  a sketch  of  the  ruins, 
which  later  l)ecame  a factor  in  some  of  his  most  important  car- 
toons. Florence  and  iMiian  followed,  and  (Jenoa,  where  he  re- 
covered a tnmk  which  he  had  abandoned  to  join  the  Garibal- 
dians.  From  (Jenoa,  via  St.  (iothard  to  Switzerland— thence  to 
(Jermany  and  his  childhood’s  home.  How  small  Strasburg  and 
its  cathedral  had  grown  since  the  visit  with  his  mother,  fourteen 
years  before. 

“ AVhat  have  you  under  your  coat  ? ” asked  the  customs  offi- 
cer, beyond  the  Kbine. 

“ The  other  steeple  of  the  cathedial,”  answered  Xast. 

He  had  intended  this  as  a joke,  but  the  officer  could  not  find 
the  steeple  and  tlu‘  jokei-  nan'owly  escaped  an-est  for  deception. 

On  l)eceinl)er  21st  he  reached  Landau  l>y  diligence,  and  found 
the  old  phi(*e  just  as  be  had  left  it,  only  shrunken  in  its  pro- 
l)ortions.  I'he  guard  house  seemed  no  longer  grim  and  terril)le. 
The  drawbridges  were  miniatures— the  city  walls  almost  a joke. 
The  parade  ground  had  dwindled  to  a mere  i)atch. 

He  found  his  aunt  alive,  and  on  her  walls  were  the  same  old 
))ictures  of  Xajjoleon  and  his  tomb.  It  was  (’hristmas-time  in 
liandau,  and  while  far  acioss  the  sea,  at  the  “ Theatre  des 
Fdwanls,”  they  were  reciting  lines  about  their  brave  and  absent 
comrade, 

“ We  have  a friend  this  year  with  glorious  (Jaribaldi, 

Of  Theatre  des  Fdwai’ds  the  cai)ital  (Jrimaldi, 

Xot  least  in  our  esteem,  though  mentioned  last. 

Health  and  a swift  return  to  artist  hero,  X^ast— ” 

the  “ artist  hero  ” was  being  feasted  and  wined  in  that  tiny 
Bavarian  fortress  at  all  hours  of  the  day  and  iiiglit.  The  hard- 
ships of  Italy  were  forgotten,  except  as  he  Avas  called  upon  to 
recite  them.  Perhaps  the  crowning  joy  of  his  Landau  visit  was 
the  payment  to  him  of  forty  dollars  by  a distant  relative,  who 
claimed  to  have  borrowed  it  from  his  mother. 


HOME 


g; 

But  lie  was  homesick  for  America  aud  the  girl  he  had  left 
there.  From  Landau  he  jounieyed  to  London,  by  way  of  Stutt- 
gart, i\Iunich,  Nahhurg— the  last  being  his  father’s  birthplace— 
where  he  saw  another  aunt,  whose  husband  was  kapelmeister. 
Here,  he  remained  over  night  and  slept  in  the  little  steeple  room 
where,  as  a boy,  his  father  had  slept,  and  in  the  same  hard  bed. 
In  the  evening  he  was  serenaded,  and  the  burgomeister  and 
priest  called  to  hear  the  story  of  his  adventures. 

Through  Germany  his  tri])  was  a succession  of  art  galleries 
and  cathedrals.  He  saw  tourists  rhajisodizing  before  jiictures 
which  to  him,  fresh  from  the  stirring  action  of  real  life,  seemed 
crude  and  unreal.  ’Fhe  tourists  were  worshipping  a tradition, 
rather  than  a reality.  He  was  tired  of  it  all  and  wanted  to  get 
home,  (’rossing  the  channel,  he  heard  talk  of  the  war  brewing 
in  his  own  land. 

Once  more  he  stopped  at  the  Bound  Table  Inn,  and  remained 
a few  days  to  straighten  financial  matters  with  the  London 
News.  W.  L.  Thomas,  an  engraver  on  the  News,  had  looked 
after  Nast’s  pictures  and  remittances  while  in  Italy,  and  now 
ti’ied  to  persuade  him  to  remain  with  the  iiajier.  But  £2  2s.  per 
(loid)le  ])age  is  not  the  Avay  of  wealth.  He  sailed  on  January 
19th  at  noon,  on  the  steamer  “ Arabia,”  and  on  Februaiw  1, 
1861,  after  a year’s  absence,  arrived  in  New  York  (’ity  with  a 
dollar  and  a half  in  his  ])ocket.  It  was  the  ])roper  financial 
condition  for  a returned  Garihaldian.  The  great  patriot  him- 
self had  been  not  much  poorer  on  his  return  to  Gaiirei’a. 

His  paper,  the  News,  was  in  a very  bad  way  indeed.  The 
owners  could  ])ay  nothing  at  all.  The  company  Avas  soon  re- 
organized by  Leggett  Brothers,  who  had  lent  the  firm  money, 
and  noAV  took  charge.  The  old  })roi)rietors  had  not  paid,  but 
they  had  been  most  lavish  in  their  advertising  of  ” our  special 
artist,”  which,  on  the  whole,  had  been  of  value.  The  new  com- 
l>any  employed  him  at  a modest  salary,  with  a quantity  of  work. 


as 


THOMAS  XAST 


as  usual.  Take  it  all  in  all,  lie  was  liaiipy.  He  was  j’ouug  and 
liO])eful  and  full  of  health,  llis  sweetheart  and  friends  had  re- 
mained faithful. 

He  beg-an  saving  at  once  for  a home,  for  he  was  resolved  to  be 
married  on  his  twenty-first  birthday.  To  this,  ^liss  Edwards’ 
jiarents  had  given  consent,  regarding  a lack  of  funds  as  no  ob- 
stacle to  a young  man  of  talent,  industry  and  exemiilary  habits. 
Ilis  first  imrchase  was  a three  hundred  and  fifty  dollar  piano, 
on  credit.  With  his  fondness  for  music,  he  could  not  resist  the 
temptation,  and  the  weekly  jiayments  on  this  joy  of  the  house- 
hold continued  through  the  first  year  of  married  happiness. 

The  wedding  came  off  the  day  before  his  birthday,  which  fell 
on  Friday.  It  was  in  that  dark  and  gloomy  time  following  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  War.  September  2()th  was  a day  of  prayer, 
offered  for  the  torn  and  stricken  Union,  so  they  were  married 
early  in  the  morning,  that  their  jiastor  might  hurry  away  to  the 
public  services.  Then,  after  breakfast,  the  jiarents  took  their 
children,  for  they  were  little  more  than  that,  to  the  train  and 
started  them  for  Niagara  Falls— that  Mecca  where  the  honey- 
moon never  sets— where,  by  its  light,  ncAvly-wed  lovers  have 
watched  the  tumbling  waters  from  generation  to  generation,  and 
shall  continue  so  to  watch,  “ as  long  as  the  river  Hows.” 

It  was  not  until  they  were  on  the  train  and  the  train  had 
started  that  the  young  man  realized  what  he  had  done.  Those 
older  ])eople  had  gone  off  and  left  him  with  a wife.  The  dangers 
of  Italy  suddenly  dwindled  to  a poor  thing  in  comparison.  In 
Italy  there  had  been  only  himself.  Now,  there  were  two,  and  one 
of  them  a young  woman,  who  was  wholly  in  his  charge.  This  was 
responsibility.  This  was  life.  The  curtain  had  fallen  upon  the 
epoch  of  early  youth. 


PART  two:  THE  PATRIOT 


('IIAPTKR  XI 

MEETING  AHRAIIAM  LINCOLN 

“ Thomas  Xast  has  lieeii  our  best  recruiting  sergeant,”  said 
Abraham  Lincoln  near  the  close  of  the  Civil  AVar.  “ Jlis  em- 
blematic cartoons  have  never  failed  to  arouse  enthusiasm  and 
patriotism,  and  have  always  seemed  to  come  just  when  these 
articles  were  getting  scarce.” 

The  emblematic  semi-historical  drawings  referred  to  by  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  did  not  begin  until  near  the  end  of  the  second  year 
of  the  struggle,  though  from  the  very  commencement  of  his  war 
work  there  had  been  strong  sentiment  and  pictorial  value  in  the 
young  artist’s  drawings,  undoubtedly  due  to  his  own  intense 
loj'alty  to  the  Union;  and  these  did  not  fail,  through  the  medium 
of  his  forceful  skill,  to  awaken  a wide  and  eager  response. 

Sixty-one  was  a turbulent  time,  es})ecially  in  Xew  York  City, 
where  Uernando  AVood,  then  Alayor,  not  only  a})i)lauded  the  se- 
ceding South,  but  advised  the  secession  of  the  metropolis.  Tliere 
was  in  Xew  A"ork  a large  element  of  foreign  immigrants  whose 
natural  instinct  seemed  to  be  to  destroy  the  nation  that  had 
sheltered  them.  Also,  there  was  a multitude  of  merchants  who 
had  sold  goods  south  of  the  Alason  and  Dixon  line,  and  knew  that 
for  them  war  might  s])ell  ruin.  Uven  the  ]>ress  was  inclined  to 
be  lukewarm  in  its  patriotism,  and  to  ai’gue  rather  liberally  on 
the  right  of  the  Southern  States  to  secede.  Union  talk  was 


70 


THOM  AH  NAST 


plentiful  enough,  but  it  was  likely  to  be  “ Union  without  war  ” 
and  “ Peace  at  any  price.”  Men  who  were  for  “ Union  before 
all,”  and  especially  those  who  declared  for  abolition,  were  apt 
to  be  roughly  dealt  with,  and  at  times  found  police  protection 
welcome,  not  only  in  New  York,  but  on  the  streets  of  patriotic 
Poston. 

The  policy  of  the  newly  elected  President,  Lincoln,  was  eagerly 
awaited.  He  had  declared  against  slavery,  ajid  expressed  his 
belief  that  a nation  half  slave  and  half  free  could  not  endure.  Yet, 
during  his  debate  with  Douglas,  he  had  protested  mainly  against 
extending  the  evil,  offering  no  definite  plans  for  correcting  it. 
His  enthusiastic  reception  in  New  York  City,  on  his  journey  to 
’Washington,  showed  that  the  larger  element  believed  tliat  the 
iMan  from  the  West,  with  his  gentle  spirit  and  wide  humanity, 
would  avoid  a war. 

On  Pebruary  19,  18(31,  at  Thirty-fourth  Street  and  Kleventh 
Avenue,  Thomas  Nast,  a l)oy  not  yet  twenty-one,  awaited  the 
arrival  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  after  that  long  triumphal  journey 
from  his  home  in  Spi'ingfield.  Thei’e  were  ]>oor  police  regula- 
tions in  those  days.  The  President-elect  and  his  conii)anions  were 
hustled  and  almost  overwhelmed  by  the  eager  crowds.  Nast, 
however,  got  a glimj)se  of  Lincoln,  and  ol)served  that  the  latter 
wore  a beard  and  did  not  much  resemble  the  sketches  and  cari- 
catures which  had  ali’eady  appeai'cd.  The  artist  made  a sketch 
on  his  own  account  and  later  attended  the  recei)tion  given  at 
('ity  Hall.  Here  he  made  additional  sketches,  and  was  almost 
torn  to  ))ieces,  trying  to  get  near  the  guest  of  honor. 

Peing  young  and  sti’ong,  he  pushed  his  way  through.  Sud- 
denly he  found  himself  face  to  face  with  Lincoln,  who  likewise 
had  sulfered  at  the  hands  of  the  i)oi>ulace.  The  great  man’s  cloak 
was  torn  and  his  hair  dishevelled,  but  he  was  trying  to  look 
jdeased.  With  an  air  of  mutual  (*ommiseration,  Nast  held  out 
his  hand. 


MEETING  AHRAIIAM  LINCOLN 


71 


“ I have  the  honor,  sir.” 

Lincoln’s  face  lighted  np  as  he  acknowledged  the  salute.  Tie 
smiled,  but  it  was  a smile  of  sadness— a token  of  the  underlying 
tragedy  of  it  all,  concealed  foi’  the  moment  by  the  humors  of  cir- 
cumstance and  the  fanfare  of  welcome. 

Xast  was  ordered  by  his  paper,  the  News,  to  proceed  to  Phila- 
delphia and  on  to  'Washington  for  the  inaugural  ceremonies,  lie 
was  near  Lincoln  during  the  celebrated  speech  and  Hag-raising 
at  Independence  Hall,  where  Lincoln  laid  olf  his  coat  that  he 
might  with  greater  ease  hoist  the  Stars  and  Stripes  above  the 
birthplace  of  Liberty.  Later,  the  artist  heard  the  address  made 
from  the  balcony  of  the  Continental  Hotel,  at  which  Lincoln  and 
his  party  were  staying. 

It  was  nearly  night,  and  the  hotel  windows  were  lit.  The 
streets  were  thronged  and  jammed.  ]\len  were  jjushed  and  tram- 
pled by  the  masses  of  humanity,  half  crazed  in  a desire  to  see 


r < 


IJNCOLN  AT  TIIK  COXTINKXTAL  HOTEL,  1*H  I LA  DELIMI I 
(From  Na^t's  ludiril  skotrh) 


72 


THOM  AS  XASr 


THE  “ SALUTE  OF  ONE  HUNUKED  GUNS  ” 
(From  the  original  drawing) 


the  tall  rail-splitter  of  the  AVest,  who  was  to  j^uide  them  safely 
through  a labyrinth  of  political  bypaths  and  turnings.  The 
hosts  wore  eager  to  follow,  but  only  a few  there  were  who  real- 
ized that  the  one  way  of  Union  lay  straight  ahead,  even  though 
it  led  across  the  sondjre  fields  of  war. 

Xast  now  hurried  to  Baltimore.  Owing  to  the  disturbed 
conditions  there,  the  definite  plans  of  the  Presideiitial  party 
were  not  made  known.  It  was  thought  that  disorder  and 
perhaps  open  assault  might  occur  in  that  hot-bed  of  dis- 
sension, where  a crowd  of  roughs  Avas  said  to  have 
organized  in  a plot  for  Lincoln’s  assassination.  Lincoln  did 
not  credit  the  report,  and  it  is  more  than  likely  that  no  con- 
certed plan  of  action  had  been  formed.  Yet  there  was  always  a 
mob  about  the  Baltimore  station,  and  had  his  presence  been 
known,  it  is  by  no  means  unlikely  that  an  attack  might  have 
been  made.  Certainly  it  seems  best  that  the  President-elect 
allowed  his  friends  to  prevail,  and  convey  him  by  night  through 
the  disloyal  city.  The  story  of  Lincoln’s  Scotch  cap  and  plaid 
disguise,  hoAvever,  was  wholly  a canard,  invented  by  an  irre- 
sponsible news})aper  man,  who  later  in  the  war  was  imprisoned 
on  a charge  of  forger}'. 

Nast  did  not  see  Lincoln  in  Baltimore,  l)ut  from  a description 


MEETING  ABRAHAM  LINCOLN 


supplied  by  the  railway  superintendent  there,  made  a drawing 
more  nearly  correct  in  its  details  than  any  published  at  the  time. 
Sad  to  relate,  the  editors  of  the  News  altered  it  to  conform  to 
the  absurd  “ Scotch  cap  and  plaid  ” fraud,  which  had  gained 
credence,  Ijincoln  was  much  ridiculed  in  consequence,  and  con- 
siderably humiliated. 

At  Washington,  Xast  stopped  at  the  AVillard  Hotel.  Being 
Lincoln’s  headquarters,  it  Avas  thronged  with  politicians,  in- 
cluding an  army  of  office-seekers.  The  artist  made  sketches 
about  the  lobby,  also  of  the  arrival  of  the  Peace  Conference, 
headed  by  ex-President  Tyler,  and  of  the  “ salute  of  a hundred 
guns,”  fired  on  the  last  day  of  Fel)ruary  to  ratify  the  results  of 
this  meeting.  On  the  27th  he  had  attended  the  farewell  cere- 
monies between  President  Buchanan  and  the  city’s  mayor  and 
board  of  aldermen — a custom  of  that  time — and  on  the  same  day, 
in  the  House  of  Pepresentatives,  made  a sketch  in  which  Boger 


LINCOLN  AT  HALTIMOKK 
(From  Nust’s  original  drawing) 


:4  THOMAS  XAST 


PENCIL  SKETCH  MADE  IN  THE  HOUSE  OF  HEPHESENTATIVES 


A.  Pryor  appears  prominently  in  the  foreground,  though  Xast 
did  not  then  know  wliose  was  the  striking  face  of  that  excitable 
advocate  of  the  Southern  Cause. 

In  his  later  life  Nast  remembered  much  of  this  Washington 
experience  with  that  feeling  of  shuddering  horror  with  which 
we  recall  a disordered  dream.  The  atmos})here  was  charged  with 
foreboding.  Pven  the  Inisy  days  about  the  Willard  Hotel  were 
strewn  with  ominous  incidents. 

“ 1 am  from  .Maryland,  and  stand  by  my  colors!  ” Xast  heard 
a man  mutter  at  his  elbow,  one  eveiung  in  the  hotel  lobliy,  where 
Horace  Greeley  and  others  of  the  Abolition  faith  were  gathered. 

“ 1 am  from  \drginia  and  stand  by  you!  ” was  the  muttered 
answer  of  another  bystandei'. 

Somewhat  later  a crowd  of  Southerners,  with  John  Morrissey, 
surrounded  Horace  Gi'eeley  and  a group  of  his  friends,  and 
exj)ressed  their  sentiments  with  an  emphasis  doubtless  aug- 
mented by  liijuor. 

For  it  was  not  a time  of  loud  talking.  Knots  of  men  on  the 
street  comers  conver.sed  in  whispers.  At  night  the  streets  were 
hushed  and  almost  de.serted. 

The  day  of  inaugui-ation  was  one  of  gloom  and  jnutterings. 
Military  was  carefully  jiosted  to  prevent  hostih'  demonstiations, 


r- 


MEETING  AHRAIIAM  LINCOLN  75 

Tlie  weatlier  was  ))leak.  With  liis  cane  laid  across  the  manu- 
script to  keep  the  sheets  from  flying  away,*  the  President-elect, 
])ale  and  anxious,  read  that  memorable  address  in  which  he  said, 
“ AVe  are  not  enemies,  but  friends.” 

There  was  not  much  applause.  The  city  drew  a great  breath 
of  relief  when  it  was  over  and  there  had  been  no  outbreak.  A et 
the  tension  was  not  relaxed.  The  men  who  had  sworn  that  Abra- 
ham Lincoln  should  never  take  his  seat  were  not  gone.  Night 
came  doAvn,  brooding  danger. 

“ It  seemed  to  me,”  said  Nast,  ” that  the  shadow  of  death 
v>’as  evervwhere.  I had  endless  visions  of  black  funereal  parades, 
accompanied  by  mournful  music.  It  w’as  as  if  the  whole  city 
were  mined,  and  I know  now  that  this  was  figuratively  tiaie.  A 
single  yell  of  defiance  would  have  inflamed  a mob.  A shot  would 
have  started  a conflict.  In  my  room  at  the  AVillard  Hotel  T was 
trying  to  work.  I : ""  j ' 

picked  up  my  pen- 
cils and  laid  them 
down  as  many  as  a 
dozen  times.  1 got 
up  at  last  and 
walked  the  floor. 

Presently  in  the 
rooms  next  mine 
other  m e n were 
walking.  I could 
hear  them  in  the 

A SOUTHERNEK  GIVING  HORACE  GREEI.EV  A PIECE  OF 

silence.  Aly  head  his  mind 

was  beginning  to  throb,  and  I sat  down  and  pres.sed  my  hands 

to  my  temples. 

“ Then,  all  at  once,  in  the  Kbbett  House  across  the  way  a win- 
dow was  flung  up  and  a man  stcjipi'd  out  on  the  balcony.  Tlu; 

♦“The  Xalioiial  Capital,”  hy  George  C.  Hazleton,  Jr, 


THOMAS  NAST 


7<) 


1 1 iiuii  1^,  ..C  Hoiiu-c  Grecli-y 

OFFICE  SEEKERS  IN  THE  LOBBY  OF  THE  WILLARD 
(From  the  original  drawing) 

footsteps  about  me  ceased.  Everybody  bad  lieard  the  man  and 
Avas  watching  breathlessly  to  see  what  he  would  do.  Suddenly, 
in  a rich,  powerful  voice,  he  began  to  sing  ‘ The  Star  Spangled 
Banner.’ 

“ The  result  was  extraordinary.  Windows  were  thrown  up. 
Crowds  gathered  on  the  streets.  A multitude  of  voices  joined  the 
song.  When  it  was  over  the  street  rang  with  cheers.  The  men 
in  the  rooms  next  mine  joined  me  in  the  corridors.  The  hotel 
came  to  life.  Guests  we])t  and  flung  their  arms  about  one  an- 
other. Dissension  and  threat  were  silenced.  It  seemed  to  me, 
and  I believe  to  all  of  us,  that  Washington  had  ])een  saved  by 
the  inspiration  of  an  unknown  man  with  a voice  to  sing  that 
grand  old  song  of  songs.” 


(’IIAPTKK  XII 


TIIK  i)AYS  OK  CONKLU'T 


A ZOUAVE 


And  now  came  tlie  long',  fierce  struggle. 
Tlie  Nation  was  in  a state  of  war  before 
it  was  willing  to  admit  the  fact.  Union 
stores  and  armament  had  been  seized. 
State  after  State  bad  seceded.  As  far 
back  as  January  9 (1861)  the  “ Star  of 
the  AVest,”  a merchant  vessel  sent  with 


supplies  and  reinforcements  to  relieve  Fort  Sumter,  bad  been 
fired  upon  by  the  guns  of  Fort  Moultrie  and  compelled  to  retuni 
with  her  cargo  to  New  ^ ork.  This  bad  caused  gieat  rejoicing  in 
the  South,  where  secession  was  eager  for  the  trial  of  anns,  but  it 
was  not  until  the  bombardment  of  Sumter  on  the  IJth  of  April 
that  the  North  really  awoke  to  the  ghastly  fact  of  a civil  war,  the 
end  of  which  no  man  could  foresee. 

Then,  suddenly,  the  lines  became  sharply  drawn.  IMen  were 
either  for  or  against  the  Union.  Hundreds  of  merchants  who 
had  favored  peace  at  almost  any  national  sacrifice  now  came 
forward  with  funds  and  offers  of  setwice.  Even  Fernando 
Wood  became  vice-president  of  the  first  great  war  meeting  in 
New  York  City,  and  delivered  an  address  full  of  patriotism,  urg- 
ing his  hearers  to  unite  in  the  common  cause  of  Union.  President 
Tjincoln  issued  a call  for  volunteers,  and  they  came  pouiing  in. 


THOMAS  XAST 


ts 

Drilling  and  anning  wore  everywhere.  The  clamor  of  fife  and 
drum  was  on  the  wind.  The  North  was  aroused  at  last. 

The  news  of  the  assault  on  the  Sixth  Massachusetts  by  the 
roughs  of  Baltimore  came  on  April  19th,  on  the  day  that  the 


THE  MAUCll  OF  THE  SEVENTH  UEGIMENT  IXhWN  BKOADWAV,  AI'KIL  li),  1801 


Seventh  of  New  York— the  crack  regiment  of  the  New  York 
National  Guard — marched  down  Broadway  to  the  ferry  for  de- 
parture. The  city  went  fairly  mad  that  day.  Old  and  young 
screamed  themselves  hoarse,  and  a million  banners  waved  above 
the  line  of  march.  Nast  made  a drawing  and,  years  later,  a 
large  oil  painting  of  the  scene.  It  hangs  to-day  in  the  armory  of 
the  Seventh,  the  only  jhetorial  record  of  an  event  which  New 
York  will  never  forget. 

But  marching  regiments  and  a cheering  populace  are  not  al- 
ways the  ])relude  of  victory.  The  months  following  Aliraham 
Lincoln’s  accession  were  full  of  dark  days  for  the  L^nion.  The 
war  was  almost  a succession  of  defeats  for  the  National  forces. 


'I'UE  DAYS  Ob'  COM' I AVI 


7'.) 

With  the  result  of  tierce  exuhei’aiiee  and  augineiiting-  courage  in 
the  South;  while  at  the  North  there  grew  a wide  sense  of  depres- 
sion that  hecaine  well-nigh  despair.  ( )f  course  the  Administration 
was  attacked.  The  jiress  and  the  stay-at-honies  began  to  cry  out 
against  Lincoln,  against  the  AVar  Department,  against  the  gene- 
rals in  the  field,  against  everything,  in  fact,  except  themselves 
and  their  own  pet  nostrums  for  the  cure  of  the  Nation’s  sorry 
case. 

Horace  Greeley  and  his  Abolition  associates  attacked  Lincoln 
daily,  through  the  Tribune,  demanding  emancipation,  overlook- 
ing the  fact  that  without  armed  ]>ossession  he  might  as  easily 
emancipate  tlie  slaves  of  the 
Soudan  as  tliose  of  the  Secession 
States.  Anotlier  and  larger 
faction  advocated  Union  before 
all,  Imt  they  wanted  it  quicker, 
and  these  also  denounced  the 
Administration  and  abused  the 
generals  and  their  armies  for 
not  ending  the  conflict  without 
further  delay.  There  was  still 
another  class— smaller,  it  is 
true,  but  more  dangerous  than 
either  of  the  others— the  men 
who  cried  out  for  peace  at  any 
cost,  who  avowed  the  war  to  lie 
a failure,  who  were  secessionist  at  heaid  — tlie  “ Cojiperheads  ” 
of  our  Civil  AYar. 

Amid  these  besetting  factions  Lincoln’s  life  was  a succession 
of  heart-sick  days;  of  joyless  nights;  of  mornings  that  only  too 
often  brought  ill  tidings  of  defeat.  If  the  President  walked  the 
floor  and  we})t,  as  he  is  said  to  have  done  when  matters  were 
going  from  bad  to  worse;  when  those  like  Horace  Greeley  and 


THOifAS  NAST  IN  1802 


(From  a photogrupli) 


80 


THOMAS  XAST 


Carl  Sclmrz— wlio  should  liave 
stood  at  his  right  hand  instead  of 
l)linding  tlieniselves  to  liis  wider 
understanding  — were  assailing 
his  methods  and  criticising  his 
motives,  it  is  no  wonder,  and 
our  hearts  ache  to-day  for  that 
sublime,  gentle-souled  man— the 
wisest  the  Nation  ever  chose  to  be 
its  guide. 

Abraham  Lincoln  seldom  made 
any  reply  to  his  critics,  but  the 
following  extract  from  a letter 
written  by  him  to  Carl  Schurz, 
November  24,  1862,  may  be 

noted : 

“ You  think  T could  do  better; 
therefore,  you  blame  me  already. 

1 think  I could  not  do  better; 
therefore,  I blame  you  for  blam- 
ing me.  I understand  you  now  to 
be  willing  to  accept  the  help  of 
men  who  are  not  lie])uhlicans, 
provided  they  have  ‘ heart  in 
it.’  Agreed.  I want  no  others. 

T>ut  who  is  to  he  the  judge  of 
hearts  or  of  ‘ heart  in  it  ’? 

Tf  1 must  discard  my  own  judg- 
ment and  take  yours  1 must 
also  take  that  of  others;  aiid 
by  the  time  I should  reject 
ail  I should  he  advised  to  re- 
ject, I should  have  none  left, 

Kcpuhl leans  or  others— not  even 
yourself.  For  he  assured,  my  dear 
sir,  there  are  men  who  have 
‘ heart  in  it  ’ that  think  you  are 
performing  your  ])art  as  poorly  as 
you  think  I am  perfonning  mine.”  an  eahly  photoouaph  of  john  hav 


ABRAHAM  LINCOLN 
(From  a photograph) 


THE  DAYS  OF  CONFLICT 


81 


It  is  easy  then  to  understand  Lincoln ’s  appreciation  of  a man 
like  Thomas  Nast,  who  never  cavilled  at  circumstance  or  ridi- 
culed the  country’s  cause  in  that  dark  hour,  but  in  his  simple  and 
untrained  way  struck  liome  every  time.  Long  afterward,  when 
Nast  had  become  a 
national  figure,  he 
was  accused  b y 
his  enemies  of  hav- 
ing caricatured 
Lincoln  as  a 
drunken  sot,  but 
the  picture  referred 
to  was  done  by 
another  hand.  Nast 
never  caricatured 
Lincoln  in  his  life 
—never  criticised 
him  in  a single 
word  or  line. 

After  his  mar- 
riage in  sixty-one. 
the  young  artist 
continued  on  the 
News,  doing  a vast 
amount  of  work,  mostly  of  a journalistic  sort,  yet  always  filled 
with  a spirit  of  patriotic  fervor.  His  campaign  in  Italy  had 
prepared  him  for  his  work  now.  He  knew  how  a battle  looked, 
how  soldiers  behaved  under  fire,  all  the  horrors  of  the  red  field. 
Such  men  were  in  demand,  and  one  morning  early  in  sixty-two 
Frank  Leslie  sent  for  his  old  protege  and  offered  him  a weekly 
salary  of  fifty  dollars.  This  was  more  than  he  was  receiving 
from  the  News,  and,  after  some  hesitation,  Nast  accepted.  The 
engagement  continued  but  a brief  time.  Perhaps  Leslie  had 
6 


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CAftTtlOCeS  OF  UN  . » • »' 

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COLORS  P S<.  anO  030  JS  ' sr. . H - »sc  > s.. 

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AN0ER5CS  . V*  . FlRS»  A»  T i c t E - T . CC  vm  i s 3 j NC. . 


THE  DESPATC’H  ANNOUNCING  THE  FALL  OF  FOKT  SUMTEFi 


TIIOMAH  XAS'l 


s-z 

one  of  his  periods  of  financial  stress,  lie  presently  reduced  the 
artist  to  thirty  dollars,  and  then  let  him  go  altogether. 

For  a moment  this  seemed  a calamity.  Xast  had  a young 
wife,  and  a piano  not  yet  paid  for.  Also  a famih’  was  not 
without  the  range  of  possibilities.  Yet  the  Jjeslie  incident  proved 
a blessing  in  disguise.  Some  di’awings  sent  to  llari)er’s  "Weekly 
were  promptly  acce])ted  and  liberally  paid  for,  as  prices  went 
in  those  days.  Others  followed.  In  the  summer  of  sixty-two  he 
was  assigned  to  regular  staff  work.  And  so,  (piietly  enough, 
began  a pictorial  epoch  which  was  to  endure  almost  unbrokenly 
for  a quarter  of  a century  and  stand  in  history  without  parallel 
in  the  combined  career  of  any  one  man  and  publication. 

Thomas  Xast’s  real  service  to  his  country  l)egan  about  at  this 
point.  Harper’s  A\'eekly  had  become  the  greatest  picture  paper 
in  the  field,  with  an  art  department  of  consideral)le  proj)ortions. 
Xast  did  not  find  the  art  room  a satisfactory  place  to  work,  and 
was  soon  allowed  to  make  his  drawings  at  home,  with  pjiy  at 
space  rates.  This  proved  a i)rolitable  arrangement,  as  he  was  a 
rapid  worker,  and  soon  more  than  doubled  his  former  salary. 
Fletcher  Ilar])cr,  one  of  the  original  “ Hrothers,”  who  made 
the  publication  of  the  AVeekly  his  especial  ]>rovince,  took  a deep 
interest  in  the  industrious  and  capable  young  artist.  Afore  than 
once  he  'exhibited  the  quality  and  almndance  of  “ Tommy’s  ” 
work  as  a means  of  stimulating  other  members  of  the  staff.  The 
friendh'  relations  between  the  future  cartoonist  and  his  employer, 
once  begun,  grew  and  augmented  as  the  years  passed,  and  it  is 
due  to  Fletcher  ITar))er  more  than  to  any  other  one  person  that 
tlie  X"ast  cai'toons  and  Har])er’s  AVeekly  became  identified  with 
the  X^ation’s  history. 

Almost  from  the  first,  Xast  was  allowed  to  follow  his  own  ideas 
— to  make  ])ictnres,  rather  than  illustrations— and  these,  purely 
imaginative  and  even  crude  as  many  of  them  were,  did  not  fail 
to  arouse  the  thousands  who  each  week  scanned  the  pages  of  the 


THE  DAYS  OF  COXFLK'T 


S3 


Ilai-por])eriodical.  “ From  a 
roving  lad  with  a swift  i)on- 
cil  for  sale  ho  had  hoeomo  a 
])atriot  artist,  burning  with 
the  enthusiasm  of  the 
time.”*  “John  iMorgan 
Sacking  a TVaeeful  A"il- 
lage  ” would  stir  to-day 
those  whose  relatives  and 
friends  might  l)eeome  fac- 
toi-s  in  a similar  scene. 

“A  Gallant  Color  Bear- 
er ” was  a ])icture  stim- 
ulating to  patriotism 
while  a “ Guerrilla  Baic 
in  the  West  ” was  cal- 
culated to  arouse  men  to 
frenzy  at  the  inhuman  prac- 
tices of  border  warfare. 

Pictures  like  these  made  recruits,  and  Avere  soon  recognized  as 
a force  that  would  fan  many  a feel)le  sj)ark  of  ])atriotism  into 
a fierce  flame  of  valor.  .Tohn  Bonner,  then  art  manager  of  the 
Weekly,  one  day  said, 

“ Xast,  how  does  a field  look  after  the  battle?  (^an  you  draw 
that  ? Sui)pose  you  make  it  night.” 

So  another— a double  page,  this  time— was  added  to  the  scenes 
that  ins])ired  men  to  go  forth  and  avenge  their  country’s  wrongs. 
In  November  he  supplied  a drawing  entitled  “ Little  ^lac  ]\rak- 
ing  his  Rounds,”  an  adaptation  of  the  old  picture  “ Who  Goes 
There?  ” so  familiar  to  his  childhood,  and  this  was  followed  by 
a succession  of  other  fierce  portrayals  of  the  bloody  trade  of  war. 

blatters  Avere  going  A'ery  well  indeed  with  the  young  artist.  He 

* Janie.s  Parton  in  “Caricature  and  Ollier  Comic  Art.” 


ivius.  ^A.sr  and  llKlt  FIRST  BAUY 
(From  a pencil  sketch) 


84 


THOMAS  NAST 


was  earning  wliat  seonied  a good  deal  of  money,  and  his  domestic 
venture  had  proved  a hap]iy  one.  A l)al)y  girl  had  come  to  the 
little  household  on  West  Foidy-fonrth  Street,  Xumber  282,  a ]iart 
of  a house— there  were  no  flats  in  those  days— and  with  increased 
pros])erity,  and  the  piano— which  had  been  paid  for  within  the 
year— the  little  family  had  entered  into  the  possession  of  a hap- 
]uness  that  was  the  wonder  and  ])erhaps  the  envy  of  their  friends. 
“ Give  my  love  to  Sally,”  wrote  Parton,  who,  it  will  be  remem- 
l)ered,  was  i\Irs.  Nast’s  cousin;  ” T think  you  are  a lucky  fellow 
to  have  so  good  a wife,  and  she  is  a lucky  wife  to  have  so  good 
a husband.” 

Thomas  Nast  always  loved  his  home,  and  preferred  to  work 
there.  In  those  early  days  his  young  wife  read  to  him  as  he 
worked,  and  when  social  demands  were  made  upon  them  they 
would  groan  and  protest,  and  yield  with  great  unwillingness. 
They  were  dubl)ed  “ old  grannies  ” at  last,  and  al)andoned  to 
their  fate.  P>ut  it  was  a happy  fate,  and  the  close  of  sixty-two 
found  the  household  of  young  ” Tommy  ” Nast  as  peaceful  and 
restful  a spot  as  there  was  in  all  the  great  strife-riven  nation. 

Sixty-three  marked  the  beginning  of  those  semi-allegorical  car- 
toons through  which  Thomas  Nast  made  his  first  real  fame.  The 
earliest  of  these  was  entitled  ” Santa  Glaus  in  (’amp,”  a front 
page  of  the  Christmas  TIarj)er,  representing  the  good  saijit 
dressed  in  the  Stars  and  Strii)es,  distributing  i)resents  in  a mili- 
tary cam)).  P>ut  of  far  greater  value  was  the  double  centre  })age 
of  the  same  issue.  This  was  entitled  simply  ” Christmas  Eve,” 
and  was  one  of  those  curious,  decorative  combination  ])ictures  so 
popular  at  that  time.  In  a large  Christmas  wreath  was  the 
soldier’s  family  at  home,  and  in  another  the  absent  one  by  his 
camp-fire  regarding  the  j)ictures  of  his  loved  ones.  Smaller  bits 
surrounded  these— well-drawn  and  full  of  sentiment. 

AVherever  Ilarjier’s  Weekly  went,  that  j)icture  awoke  all  the 
tenderness  that  comes  of  absence  in  the  dark  hour  of  danger— 


THE  DOUHLE-I’AGE  CHHISTMA.S  I’K’TUUK  OF  186^-3 


8G 


THOMAS  \AST 


all  the  love  for  home  and  country  that  is  honi  in  every  liunian 
soul.  Letters  from  every  coiner  of  the  Union  came  to  the  IJarper 
office  with  messages  of  thanks  for  that  inspired  picture.  A 
colonel  wrote  to  tell  how  it  had  readied  him  on  ('hristmas  Eve, 
and  had  been  nntolded  liy  the  light  of  his  own  canpi-tire,  and  how 
his  tears  liad  fallen  upon  the  i>age. 

“ It  was  only  a jiicturc,'’  he  said,  “ hut  I couldn’t  help  it.” 


• kIXGDOM  COMIN’.”  “ WE  MOVED  OUR  TMIN'<;S  INTO  MASSa’s  RAREOR  JUST  TO  KEEi* 

IT  WHILE  he's  gone” 

(From  tlie  original  sketch) 


It  Avas  only  a picture,  hut  thousands  besides  the  (joloiiel  had 
shed  tears  u))on  those  pages  and  been  ennobled  and  strengthened 
in  their  liigh  resol v(>. 

Tlie  success  of  this  picdure  meant  the  continuation  of  Xast’s 
(touhle-i)age  decorative  drawings.  “ War  in  the  liorder  States  ” 
was  another  grave  arraigimi<‘iit  of  gmo-rilla  warfare*,  wliile 


ONE  OE  THE  EKEErnVE  DOUHLE-PAGE  WAU  PICTUUES 
(From  llarpcr'8  Weekly) 


88 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ Emancipation,”  on  January  24tii,  depicted  negro  life  as  it  had 
been,  and  as  it  was  to  be  in  the  new  day  soon  to  come.  For  Lin- 
coln, with  more  successful  armies  at  the  front,  bad  at  last  issued 
the  Proclamation  that  offered  freedom  to  the  slaves  of  every 
State  in  active  warfare  wbicb  bad  not  retunied  to  the  Union 

with  the  beginning  of  the  year. 
None  of  these  bad  returned,  and 
their  slaves  were  free,  so  far  as  a 
Northern  edict  could  be  sustained 
in  a land  still  far  from  comjuered. 

Indeed,  the  successful  outcome 
of  the  war  was  by  no  means  cer- 
tain at  this  time.  The  general 
who  was  to  lead  the  armies  to 
victory  Avas  still  unidentified. 
IIar))er’s  "Weekly  on  January  17, 
18(13,  asks,  ” Have  we  a gen- 
eral? ” and  enumerates  those  who  have  already  met  with  a 
measure  of  success,  Avitb  but  a slight  mention  of  Ulysses  S. 
Grant,  who  a year  before  bad  taken  Fort  Donelson  and  subse- 
(piently  saved  the  armies  of  Shiloh,  but  who  was  not  yet  recog- 
nized as  the  military  iNIoses  who  was  to  lead  to  the  Promised 
T^aiid  of  Peace. 

In  January  also  appeared  Nast’s  first  caricature  cartoon — a 
boy  frightening  John  Pull  with  the  cry  of  ‘‘  Here  Comes  General 
Butler!  ” — the  latter  ba\'ing  been  denounced  as  ” a brute  ” by 
the  I.ondon  Times.  The  picture  was  good  enough,  but  it  gave  no 
promise  of  the  power  and  style  wbicb  would  make  bis  individual 
caricature  famous.  ” Southern  Chivalry  ” was  another  savage 
delineation  of  the  su]>posed  methods  of  Southern  warfare. 

T’erbaps  never  in  the  history  of  the  world  Avere  two  sections 
of  a nation  more  l)itter  in  their  beliefs  and  more  A'iolent  in  their 
thirst  for  revenge  than  were  the  North  and  South  at  this  mo- 


A New  Plan  to  frighten  Fine  Old  English  Gentlemen 


THE  FIRST  HARPER  CARICATURE 


THE  DAYS  OF  CONFLICT 


89 


ment.  Women  forgot  everything  except  the  fact  that  husband 
and  brother  had  been  shot  down — perhaps  with  horrible  muti- 
lation— to  die  in  lingering  agony.  Guerrilla  atrocities  were  con- 
tinually reported  and  magnified  in  the  North.  In  sections  of  the 
South  a Northern  soldier  was  likely  to  be  regarded  as  a wild  beast. 
Sixty-three  was  a poor  time  to  investigate.  Nast  simply  used  the 
material  that  came  to  his  hand,  and  each  resulting  picture 
brought  volunteers  to  the  Northern  cause.  They  also  brought 
scores  of  threatening  letters  to  the  Harper  office  from  the  in- 
furiated South,  and  Nast  would  have  been  burned  at  the  stake 
had  he  been  caijtured  during  the  occasional  trips  he  made  to  the 
front.  "We  cannot  consider  these  pictures  fairly  at  this  time. 
Fierce  they  were,  and  brutal  as  were  the  times  and  scenes  they 
de2iicted,  ajii^ealing  in  their  sentiment  to  those  elemental  im- 
l^ulses  which  always  leaj)  uppermost  in  the  hour  of  impending 
evil,  especially  during  the  ever-present  dangers  of  civil  war. 
Even  the  more  domestic  drawings  of  this  iieriod  were  done  in 
a spirit  of  homely  melodrama  little  in  vogue  to-day.  They  were 


“ BALLOON  OBSERVATIONS  ” 
(From  a sketch  made  at  the  front,  1863) 


90 


THOMAS  NAST 


not  works  of  art — Nast  did  not  so  consider  them.  War  is  not 
a time  of  culture  and  discrimination,  but  of  l)lows,  and  those 

dealt  by  Thomas 
Nast  were  Swift 
and  savage  and 
aimed  to  kill. 

During  the 
spring  of  sixty- 
three,  on  a trip  to 
Fort  i\Ioultrie, 
Nast  first  met 
General  Butler, 
and  made  a sketch 
from  life  of  the 
face  he  was  to 
caricature  so  fre- 
(|uently  in  the 
days  to  come.  He 
also  made  for  his 
]iaper  the  “ Ar- 
rival of  a Federal 
Column,”  from 
which,  somewhat 
later,  he  painted 
his  large  picture 
‘‘  Td  to’bu.”  Dur- 
ing these  trips  to  the  fiont  lu*  met  and  became  the  friend  of 
General  Sheridan,  who  invited  the  artist  to  establish  head- 
quarters in  his  cam)). 

In  July  of  sixty-three,  Lee  was  in  Pennsylvania,  and  Nast  was 
anxious  to  get  additional  sketches  of  armies  in  action.  'J’hrough  a 
rather  humorous  conqilication  with  one  of  Mrs.  Nast’s  Fjnglish 
relatives,  under  arrest  at  Harrisburg  for  wearing  as  a sash  the 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  HEIGHTS  OF  FREDERICKSBURG 
(Nast  afterwards  painted  liis  " Saviiii;  the  Kla" from  tliis  pietiire) 


THE  DAYS  OF  CONFLICT 


('onfederate  flag,  Xast  lihiiself  was  held  for  a few  days,  during 
whieli  time  tlie  battle  of  Gettysburg  was  fought.  :\Ieantime,  be 
enjoyed  the  freedom  of  the  eami),  and  upon  being  discharged 
hurried  to  tlie  scene  of  action,  meeting  at  every  stage  of  the 
jouniey  wounded  men,  ])ainfully  mabing  their  way  northward. 
At  Carlisle  he  was  among  those  who  were  slielled  by  the 
Confederate  forces,  and  secured  some  sketclies.  The  por- 
trayal of  this  scene  appeared  in  Harper’s  for  July  l2f)th.  The 
front  page  of  the  same  issue  bore  a fine  portrait  of  INIajor- 
General  U.  S.  Grant,  now  styled  the  “ Hero  of  Vicksburg,” 
and  ‘‘Unconditional  Surrender”  Grant,  and  recognized  as 
the  commander  whom  the  pa])er  had  endeavored  to  point 
out  the  year  before.  Nast  greatly  admired  Grant’s  picture,  and 
])erhaps  foresaw  in  it  the  nation’s  hei-o,  but  little  he  guessed  how 
closelv  thev  were  to  l)e  allied  in  the  days  to  come,  or  what  assist- 
ance his  i)encil  was  to  render  that  sci'cnc  and  stalwart  man. 


••  THK  KESn/r  OK  THE  WAll  ’ (I'Tom  llie  original  iliaxviiig) 


(IIAITKK.  All  I 


IX  THE  DUAFT  EloTS 


(Specimen  carte  de  visitc  sold  by  K. 
and  II.  T.  Anthony) 


hVtiiniing  to  Xow'  York,  Xast  Jouiid 
liimself  ill  tlie  midst  of  the  Draft 
Ikiots — the  streets  of  the  city  a bed- 
lam of  insurrection.  All  the  “ Coi>- 
perliead  ” roughs  of  the  metropolis 
were  united — ostensibly  to  oppose  the 
Draft  Act,  wldcli  liad  made  all  men 
lietween  the  ages  of  eighteen  and 
forty-five  subject  to  active  service — 
l)iit  mainly  for  the  puri)ose  of  arson 
and  ])lnnder,  and  for  the  destruction 
of  inoffensive  negroes  and  their 
friends. 


“ Down  Avith  the  negroes!  ” “ Down  with  the  Abolition- 
ists! ” “ Hurrah  for  Jeff  Davis!  ” were  cries  heard  every- 

where. Terrified  citizens  locked  and  barred  their  doors.  Those 
who  had  negro  servants  concealed  them,  often  to  have  them 
dragged  forth  and  murdered  liefore  their  eyes. 

Xast,  mingling  with  tlie  moh,  saw  the  assault  on  the  Tribune 
office,  also  the  hnrning  of  the  colored  orphan  asylum,  where 
many  of  the  fleeing  inmates  were  overtaken  and  beaten— some 
of  them  slaughtered  and  left  in  the  streets.  At  one  place  he  saw 


IN  THE  DRAFT  RIOTS 


03 


a dead  Union  soldier— the  children  of  the  rioters  dancing’  about 
him  and  poking  at  him  with  sticks.  It  would  have  been  mad- 
ness to  attempt  any  interference  witli  the  inflamed  and  drunken 


OHIGINAL  SKETCH  FOK  “THE  DOMESTIC  BLOCKADE” 


mobs,  wliicli  were  not  unlike  those  of  the  French  Kevolution. 
He  made  sketches  as  best  he  could  and  hurried  home  to  look 
after  the  safety  of  his  family. 

Horatio  Seymour,  Democratic  Governor  of  New  York,  came 
down  from  his  home  in  the  (piiet  lake  country  to  quell  the  mob 
by  calling  the  rioters  bis  “ friends,”  and  by  assuring  them  that 
he  would  ” have  the  draft  susjiended  and  stopped.”  This  senti- 
ment, though  cheered,  was  not  of  a nature  to  check  the  reign  of 
lawless  carnage.  The  police,  Jiided  l)y  the  military,  at  length 
su])pressed  the  insuri’ection,  but  not  before  a thousand  persons 
had  been  killed  or  wounded  and  more  than  two  million  dollars’ 
worth  of  ]U’operty  destroyed.  Houses  had  been  liurned  and 
buildings  sacked.  New  York  showed  in  this  incident  the  tem- 
})or  of  a foreign  element  which  has  not  improved  with  time. 


04 


THOMAS  yJST 


exce])t  to  become 
more  coAA^ardly, 
and  wliicb,  slionld 
it  ever  become 
aroused  in  force, 
may  lav  waste  a 
ftreat  city. 

Xast’s  work  had 
now  become  recoi?- 
71  i zed  as  a potent 
factor  in  the  pi’og- 
i-ess  of  events.  A 
Sreat  numlier  of 
]7ersons  suliscribed 
to  Hai’per ’s  AVeekl  y 
maiidy  to  get  the 
])  i c t u ]■  e s , a n d 

NA.ST’s  fUtST  PUBLISHED  SANTA  CLAUS  amOIlg  tllO  illllStl'a- 

(From  “Christmas  I'oemg,"  issnedby  . I.  .M.  (Jroeory,  1803^)  tioilS  llis  Wei'e  Con- 

sidered of  cliief  im]7ortance.  Yet  be  was  not  without  able 
associates.  A.  K.  AVaud,  an  artist  in  tlie  field;  AVinslow 
Homei',  Theodore  Ik  Davis,  Sol  Eytinge,  Fi-ank  Bellew,  AA". 
Tj.  Sbe])pard,  one  or  moi'e  of  the  Beard  family,  AA".  S.  L. 
Jewett  and  C.  (I.  Bush — the  veteran  cartoonist  of  to-day — 
wei-e  all  associated  with  the  great  “ Jonnial  of  Civilization,” 
and  their  work  was  masterly,  considering  the  methods  of 
those  days  and  the  time  allowed  for  its  pi’eparatioii.  Yet 
in  the  di-awings  of  Nast — often  less  notable  for  their  technique — 
there  was  a feeling  which  appealed  more  dii’ectly  to  the  emo- 
tions than  could  he  found  in  the  work  of  his  fellows.  It 
must  have  been  the  throb  of  his  own  fiei’ce  loyalty — his  deter- 
mination to  destroy  whatever  stood  in  the  path  of  his  convic- 
tion. It  was  the  same  quality  that  a few  years  later  was  to 


demolish  (‘orrupt  politicians  and  city  officials.  It  was  the  hand- 
ling- of  metal  at  white  heat  — a trade  at  which  he  was  the  master 
craftsman  of  them  all.  There  was  to  come  a day  when  the  metal 
would  cool  and  the  workman’s  hands  wonld  fail  to  shaj)e  it  to 
the  im))lic  taste.  Ihit  that  time  lay  far  away  and  concealed  be- 
hind the  curtain  of  the  years.  Now,  he  was  just  in  the  beginning 
of  bis  triumphs,  with  the  greatest  yet  to  come. 

Many  publishers  began  to  seek  bis  Avork.  To  some  of  these  be 
sold  ])aintings  whicli  Avere  reproduced  in  color  and  sold  AA'idely. 
‘‘  A Domestic  Blockade  ’’—two  children  fortified  in  the  parlor 
against  the  domestic  of  the  household,  liecame  familiar  to  almost 
eA^ery  family  of 
that  ])eriod 
For  F.  and  IT. 

T.  Anthony  he 
made  a set  of 
c a r i c a t n r e s 
which  were 
photographed 
in  cartes  de 
A'isite  and  sold 
by  the  thou- 
sand. They  are 
only  interesting 
now  as  show- 
ing a tendency 
to  caricature 
wliicb  eA^entu- 
a 1 1 y was  to 
dominate  bis 
work.  AVarbis- 
Til'll)- 

‘ ’ SPECIMEN  ILLUSTRATION  FROM  “ROBINSON  CRUSOE,’ 

ute  Books  ’ ’ and  trated  by  nast 


ILLUS- 


9G 


THOMAS  NAST 


juvenile  pul)lieations  were  illustrated  with  his  designs.  A 
volume  of  Christmas  poems  ])resented  his  first  ]mhlished  con- 
ception of  Santa  Claus  as  the  Pelze-Xicol  of  his  childhood — the 
fat.  fur-clad  type  which  the  world  has  accepted  as  the  popular 
portrayal  of  its  favorite  saint.  In  the  AVeekly  he  still  continued 


“a  chuistmas  furlough  ” 
(From  llarijor's  Weekly) 


his  illustrative  and  half-allegorical  cartoon  work.  “ Honor  the 
Brave,”  “ Thaidvsgiving  Day  at  the  Union  Altar,”  “ The  Story 
of  Our  Drummer  Boy,”  and  “ A Christmas  Furlough,”  which 
closed  sixty-three,  added  much  to  the  artist’s  ra})idly  growing 
fame.  Letters  came  to  him  from  all  directions,  fondly  praising 
or  bitterly  condemning  the  pictures,  according  to  the  sympathies 
and  geographical  location  of  the  writers. 


CllAPTElJ  XIV 

THK  WAli’s  LAST  DAYS 

AVitli  tlie  })egimiing  of  sixty-four,  Thomas  Nast  showed  the 
pity  and  human  sympathy  witli  distress  which  was  always  so 
large  a part  of  his  nature.  The  cartoon  was  “ New  Year’s  Day, 
North  and  South,”  and  in  contrasting  the  comparative  luxurj" 
of  the  North  with  the  destitution  of  the  overwhelmed  hut  still 
struggling  South,  his  inner  tenderness  for  those  in  sorrow  is 
clearly  manifest.  Later  in  January,  Nast  contributed  a double- 
page,  ” AVinter  in  Central  Park.”  In  the  centre  of  this  picture 
is  a skating  group,  wherein  a number  of  portraits  of  prominent 
persons  appear.  To  introduce  public  characters  into  imagina- 
tive drawings  seems  to  have  been  a custom  in  those  old  days. 
From  a title  page  by  Nast  of  a small  and  short-lived  weekly 
entitled  ” Airs.  Grundy,”  one  familiar  with  the  faces  of  that 
time  may  pick  out  nearly  one  hundred  notables. 

“ Columbia  Decorating  Grant,”  to  whom  Congress  had  just 
accorded  a vote  of  thanks  and  a gold  medal  in  acknowledgment 
of  continued  victories,  was  a Harper  page  of  February  6th,  sixty- 
four,  and  this  was  Nast’s  first  published  drawing  of  the  man 
who  with  Lincoln  and  Garibaldi  siiould  claim  to  the  last  his 
admiration  and  his  honor.  Throughout  the  year  the  single  and 
double-page  cartoons  continued,  growing  more  domestic  and  less 
savage  as  the  South  gradually  gave  up  the  struggle  and  the  days 


7 


•J8 


THOMAS  NAST 


of  peace  seemed  nearer.  “ On  to  Iticlimond,  ” published  June 
18tli,  was  perhaps  the  most  spirited  of  the  summer’s  work,  but 
as  the  weeks  i)assed  and  the  presidential  campaig’n  grew  fiercer, 
tliere  a{)])eared  two  cartoons  that  stirred  the  Nation  more  than 
any  pictures  hitherto  published. 

The  first  of  these,  “ ( ■omiu’omise  with  the  South,”  a])i)eared 
a few  days  after  the  CMiicago  Convention,  which  liad  been  con- 
trolled l)y  Fernando  Wood  and  (’lenient  L.  Vallandigham.  The 
latter  was  an  avowed  ” Cojiperhead,”  already  once  imiirisoned 
for  treason,  and  only  through  Ijincoln’s  generosity  allowed  to  be 
at  large.  The  declared  i)rinciples  of  this  convention  were  to  ob- 
tain peace  at  any  price,  yielding  to  the  South  any  jioint  that 
might  Itring  the  seceding  States  back  into  the  fold.  It  asserted 
that  the  war  was  a failure,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  situ- 
ation even  then  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Union  forces,  and  failure 
could  result  only  through  adopting  the  Chicago  jilatform.  The 
cartoon  of  Nast  reiiresented  the  defiant  Southerner  clasping 
hands  with  the  cripi)led  Northern  soldier  over  the  grave  of 
Union  heroes  fallen  in  a useless  war.  (’olumbia  is  bowed  in 
sorrow,  and  in  the  bai'kground  is  a negro  family,  again  in  chains. 
In  the  original  design  there  had  been  a number  of  smaller  ac- 
coniiianying  pictures,  but  Fletcher  Harper  considered  the  central 
idea  sufficient  and  made  of  it  a full  jiage. 

The  success  of  this  picture  was  startling.  An  increased  edition 
of  the  Weekly  was  ))rinted  to  supply  the  demand,  and  the  plate 
was  used  for  a campaign  document  of  which  millions  of  copies 
were  circulated. 

As  stated,  the  (’hicago  Peace  Party  Convention  had  been  con- 
trolled by  Wood  and  Ahdlandigham  and  others  of  their  political 
faith,  including  Samuel  J.  Tilden  and  Horatio  Seymour  *— both 
]iatriots  of  the  Vallandigham  school  and  future  candidates  for 
the  Presidency.  The  nominees  were  (leorge  B.  INfcClellan,  who 

♦ Mr.  Seymour  was  chosen  to  preside  over  the  Chicago  Convention. 


X 

w 


o 

c 

G 


j: 

la 

u 

c 

s 


X 


X 

o 

o 

h 

K 

O 

CO 


O 

K 

C. 

c 


h 

ui 

c 

o 

u 

X 

b 


loO  THOMAS  X.IST 


TITLE  PAGE  FOR  MRS.  ORI^NDY,  MADE  IN  COMPETITION 
This  ilrawini;  won  a prize  of  one  hniulred  dollars.  A bout  one  immlred  easily  recognized  faces  may  be  picke<l 
out  among  those  in  the  galleries  and  boxes.  When  it  is  remembered  that  these  were  drawn  on  wood  and 
arc  here  only  slightly  reduced,  (he  ingenuity  of  the  dratightsman  will  be  realized) 

i-osigned  from  tlio  army  to  accept  — the  greatest  mistake  a great 
man  ever  made— ami  (Jeorge  11.  Pendleton  of  Ohio.  The  plat- 
form was  “ Oopjierhead  ” throughont,  and  on  October  15th 
llai-per’s  Weekly  imhlished  the  second  destructive  cartoon,  de- 
l^icting  in  Xast’s  most  ferocious  manner  just  what  the  jdatform 


NAST’s  I'lCTOKAL  ELCCIUATION  OF  THE  CHICAGO  PLATFORM  OF  FIRST  priiLISHED  IX  IIARPER’s  WEEKLY.  .AFTERWARDS 

CIRCXn.ATEn  .AS  .A  C.AMP.AIGX  DOCC.MEN  T 


102 


THOMAS  NAST 


meant.  It  was  an  intricate  doubIe-i)age  affair— a combination 
of  something  like  twenty  i)ictures— interwoven  and  interwound 
with  pertinent  extracts  from  the  hated  document. 

Nobody  can  ever  estimate  wbat  these  two  cartoons  added  to 
tlie  majoi’ities  of  Lincoln  and  .Johnson,  but  it  is  l)elieved  that 
they  gained  many  thousands  of  votes  for  the  Lnion  cause. 
Harper’s  Weekly,  in  an  article  somewhat  later,  referred  to  them 
as  “ prodigious  batteries  whose  influence  upon  the  glorious  re- 
sults of  the  campaign  was  undeniable.” 

And  then,  once  more,  the  gentler  spirit  of  Thomas  Xast  was 
manifested.  In  the  big  Christmas  cartoon  of  sixty-four,  Ijin- 
coln  is  represented  as  pointing  to  the  eiu])ty  chairs  at  the  Na- 
tional dinner-table,  inviting  the  recreant  States  to  come  in 
Ironi  the  storm  and  cold  and  take  their  seats.  And  this  proved 
a real  prophecy,  for  Abraham  Lincoln,  who  was  so  soon  to  lay 
down  his  life  as  the  price  of  Union,  Avith  that  sublime  imi)ulse 
of  foi'giveness  Avhicb  filled  every  corner  of  bis  great  and  gentle 
heart,  did  almost  precisely  what  the  artist  had  foreseen. 

The  war  was  not  yet  ended,  but  the  people  of  the  Noidh  had 
declared  that  it  should  be  i)ushed  to  its  legitimate  conclusion. 
The  seceding  States  would  be  welcomed  l)ack,  l)ut  the  terms  must 
be  made  by  the  victors. 

“ Fondly  do  we  hope,  fervently  do  we  ])ray, ” said  Lincoln  in 
his  second  inaugural  address,  ” that  this  mighty  scourge  of  Avar 
may  speedily  i>ass  aAvay.  But  if  God  wills  that  it  continue  until 
all  the  wealth  })iled  by  the  l)ondsman’s  tAvo  hundred  and  fifty 
years  of  unre(iuited  toil  shall  l)e  smd<,  and  until  eveiw  dro])  of 
blood  draAvn  Avith  the  lash  shall  be  ])aid  Avitb  another  di'aAvn 
Avith  the  SAVord,  as  Avas  said  three  thousand  years  ago,  so  still  it 
must  be  said  that  the  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true  and  right- 
eous altogethei-.” 

So  the  sad,  u.seless  stniggle  avcuI  on  long  after  the  (uid  Avas  in 
sight.  Finally  a i)oint  Avas  reached  when  the  North  itself  Avas 


AHliAIlAM  LINCOLN  INVITING  THE  SOUTHERN  LEADERS  TO  TAKE  THEIR  RLACE  AT  THE  NATIONAL  TABLE 


104 


THOMAS  XASr 


shipping  supplies  to  the  starving  citizens  of  Savannah,  and  the 
papers  of  the  South  were  assailing  Jefferson  Davis,  by  wliom, 
it  may  he  said,  they  had  stood  far  more  loyally  than  most  of 
the  so-called  Union  pa]>ers  of  the  Xoidh  had  ever  stood  by  Lin- 
coln. Finally,  late  in  February  of  sixty-five,  colored  troops 
singing  “ John  Brown’s  Body  ” marched  through  the  streets 
of  Charleston,  where  the  first  shots  of  the  war  had  been  fired. 
Then,  a few  weeks  later,  came  the  fall  of  Bichmond,  and  on 
April  4th  Lincoln  entered  the  C’onfederate  capital  and  Avas  al- 
most ovenvhelmed  with  the  demonstrations  of  a rejoicing  mul- 
titude. Nast  made  a large  drawing  and  later  a painting  of  this 
triumphal  hour,  and  then  there  appeared  from  his  pencil  an 
emblematic  page  entitled  “ The  Fve  of  War  and  the  Dawn  of 
Peace.”  Facing  this  i)age,  drawn  by  another  hand^  was  the 
scene  of  one  of  the  saddest  and  most  dastardly  tragedies  in  all 
history — the  assassination  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  on  the  night  of 
April  14th,  at  Ford’s  Theatre,  Washington. 

The  war  had  ended,  and  Avith  it  had  ended  the  life  of  the 
})urest,  the  gentlest,  the  Avisest  man  AA’hose  name  has  eA’er  been 
written  on  the  page  of  history. 

The  Nation’s  grief  was  depicted  by  Nast  in  a representation 
of  Columbia  mourning  at  Lincoln’s  bier,  and  later  by  another, 
entitled  “ Victory  and  Death.”  On  the  Fourth  of  July,  there 
followed  a fine  double-page  entitled  ” Peace,”  a scene  suggested 
by  Grant’s  magnanimous  oi-der — ” Let  them  kee])  their  mules 
and  horses — they  Avill  need  them  for  the  s})ring  ploughing.” 
Later  the  artist  reproduced  a portion  of  this  picture  in  a can- 
vas entitled  ” I’eace  Again,”  a pleasing  and  inspiring  scene. 

And  so  the  war,  Avith  its  four  years  of  stress  and  grief  and 
bitterness  and  martyrdom,  had  been  added  to  the  j)ast.  The 
suiwiving  soldier  had  returned  to  his  farm,  his  Avorkshop,  and 
his  office.  Ills  sAA’ord  had  been  laid  dowii  for  the  i)en,  his  musket 
for  the  plough  and  the  tools  of  trade. 


COLUMIflA  MOru.NS 


RECOXSTUUCTIOX 


General  Grant,  when  asked  “ 'Who  is  the 
foremost  hgure  in  civil  life  developed  h}'  the 
Kebellion'?  ” replied,  without  hesitation, 
“ I think,  Thomas  Nast.  He  did  as  mnch  as 
any  one  man  to  j)reserve  the  Union  and  bring 
the  war  to  an  end.” 

Grant’s  opinion  was  echoed  l)v  many 
Xorthern  generals  and  statesmen  of  that 
time.  Letters  of  thanks  came  fi'om  all  <]uar- 
ters.  Yet  the  majority  of  men  and  women  to-day  do  not 
associate  Xast  with  the  war  i)eriod.  They  remember  him 
as  the  destroyer  of  Tweed  and  recall  his  connection  with  the 
campaigns  of  Greeley  and  Blaine.  It  is  mainly  l)eeanse  of  this 
that  we  have  dwelt  on  a period  of  his  work  which,  if  less  l)ril- 
liant,  was  no  less  useful  to  the  nation  as  a whole  than  his 
later  and  more  startling  achievements.  We  shall  consider  as 
briefly  as  ])Ossihle  the  l)itter  days  of  Reconstruction,  which  were 
noAv  at  hand. 

During  the  months  following  the  death  of  Lincoln  the  artist 
busied  himself  with  painting  and  book  illustrations,  including 
a number  of  juvenile  volumes  j)ublished  by  Lee  and  Shepard 
of  Boston.  But  one  cartoon  appears  l)etween  July  and  Xovember 


THE  CARTOONIST  AND  THE 
KING 

(From  an  unused  cut) 


RECOXSTIi  UCTI  ON 


107 


of  1865,  a double  page  entitled  “ Pardon  and  Franchise,”  which 
struck  firmly  the  most  strident  note  of  the  Keconstruction 

discord.  On  one  hand  Columbia, 
anxiously  regarding  the  leaders  of 
the  late  Secession,  says  “ Shall  I 
trust  these  men?  ” and  on  the 
other,  with  her  hand  on  the  crip- 
pled negro  patriot,  adds  “ And 
not  this  man?  ” 

Before  the  appearance  of  the 
next  cartoon,  November  11th,  the 
(‘hanged  policy  of  Andrew  dohnson 
had  become  known.  AVlien  elected 
to  the  Vice-Presidency  he  had 
been,  though  a Southern  man, 
fiercely  radical  in  Union  sentiment 
and  an  avowed  enemy  of  the  slave- 
holder. It  was  feared  upon  his 
succession  to  the  Presidency  that 
he  would  he  unduly  severe  with  the  returning  States  and  destroy 
such  good-will  as  had  been  inspired  by  Lincoln  s policN  ot  gentle- 
ness. The  Democratic,  jjress  denounced  him  savagely  as  a Nero 
and  Caligula— a tyrant  who  would  set  his  he(‘l  upon  tin*  con- 
(juered.  The  Pepublican  ])apers  hoped  toi 
the  best  and  waited. 

The  waiting  was  not  long,  flohnson  went 
over,  l)ody  and  soul,  to  the  enemy  to  those 
whom  he  had  sought  for  years  to  crush  and 
destroy — to  those  who  had  reviled  him  in 
Avords  such  as  newspapers  no  longer  print. 

IVhy  Johnson  should  have  done  this  remains 
an  unsolved  ju’oblem.  it  would  seem, almost, 

. that  the  suddenness  of  his  elevation  had 


1^' 

f»: 

i. 


ANDUEW  JOHN.SU.N 
(From  an  old  photograph) 


THOMAS  NAST  IN  ISOU 


lOS 


THOMAS  XAST 


tiirnod  Ins  head  and  destroyed 
liis  niental  balance.  Sucli  a 
view  is  at  least  charitable. 

It  was  hut  natural  that  this 
apostasy  should  result  in  an 
altered  attitude  of  the  press. 
Xast  illustrated  the  Democratic 
change  of  heart  toward  Johnson. 
On  the  one  hand  the  ])arty  is 
assailing  him  with  missiles,  and 
on  the  other  bombarding  him 
with  bompiets.  It  was  the  first 
published  of  the  now  famous 
“ Andy  ” Johnson  cartoons. 

Tt  was  not,  however,  the  first 
.Johnson  picture  to  be  drawn. 
The  President’s  “ Proclamation 
of  Amnesty  and  Pardon  ” had 
already  suggested  a pictui-e  which  was  engraved  but  not 
used.  In  the  ui>per  half  of  the  page  .Johnson  is  scatter- 
ing pardons  to  the  secession  ])rodigals,  while  Stanton 
looks  grimly  on.  Below,  Seward  is  wash- 
ing the  stains  from  the  battle-flags  winch 
Ciideon  AVelles  is  hanging  on  the  line. 

Seward  was  always  held,  at  least  in  some 
measure,  responsible  for  Johnson’s  change 
of  front,  while  Welles,  also,  was  thought 
to  be  too  freely  disposed  to  ])romiscuous 
forgiveness.  ’Pbe  Amnesty  ])roclamation 
was  not  at  first  regarded  with  much  favor, 
but  it  being  more  fully  comprehended,  the 
use  of  this  cartoon  was  deemed  inadvis- 
able. .V  Thanksgiving  illusti-ation  of 
“ P(':u*e  ” and  a large  (’hi'istmas  draw- 


'I'HE  FIHST  “aNDV”  JOHNSON  ( AUTUON 
(From  an  unused  uoodciil) 


sKritKTARY  ST.VNTON 
iFioni  a pliotoLrraph} 


liKCOXSTUrCTIOX 


109 


ini?  wliicli  contained  one  of  the 
jolliest  of  Nast’s  Santa  Clans  ])ie- 
tnres  closed  the  year. 

1 )oinestic  cartoons  for  the  Bazar, 

Ijook  illustrations,  and  a series  of 
nnsii?ned  caricatures  for  a ])a])er 
entitled  tdinnny  Idiellow  occupied 
most  of  the  early  ])art  of  18()().  The 
Idmnny  Phellow  workwas  a secret, 
and  the  cartoonist  was  a little  sur 
prised  one  day  when  a friend  re 
marked:  You’ll  have  to  look  to 

your  laurels,  Xast;  that  chap  on 
Phunny  Fellow  is  after  you.” 

This  evidence  of  success  as  his 
own  rival  encouraged  him  to  con 
finue  his  similar  work  on  the 

"Weekly,  and  the  impulse  was  further  strength- 
ened by  the  success  of  a series  of  life-size  cari- 
catures exhibited  at  a grand  masquerade  opera 
hall  given  by  i\lax  Maretzek  on  the  night  of 
April  5th.  This  “ Opera  Ball  ” was  given  in  the 
old  Academy  of  Music,  and  sixty  of  the  large 
caricature  paintings  of  ])ublic  men  and  women 
surrounded  the  room.  During  the  prei)aration  of 
these  pictures,  especially  those  of  the  women, 
Maretzek,  horrified,  frequently  exclaimed,  “ Oh, 
she  vill  kill  you!  Oh,  she  vill  stab  you  in  ze  hack!” 

But  the  display  i>roved  a great  success.  Apparently  every 
guest  present  enjoyed  hugely  the  comic  characterization  of  .each 
face  save,  perhaps,  his  own,  which  he  was  likely  to  declare  a 
“ rather  poor  likeness.”  Men  and  women  seeing  their  faces 
caricatured  for  the  first  time  were  usually  a hit  startled  at  first. 


CilDKOX  WELLKS 
(From  11  photograiili) 


iSE(  HET.VKY  SEW  A HI) 
(From  an  old  photograiili) 


OUlf  ( V h ^ 


A 1‘AGE  OF  THE  OPEliA  BALL  C'AKK’ATrRES,  'WITH  A GLIMPSE  OF  THE  EVENT 


ItECOXSTliCC  TIOX 


111 


and  then  either  amused  or  slightly  disturbed.  The  women  ac- 
cepted theirs  much  more  meekly  and  good-naturedly  than  did 
the  men,  usually  exclaiming  “ How  very  clever  j\lr.  Nast  is!  ” 

This  mammoth  exhil)ition  immediately  ranked  Xast  as  the 
foremost  American  caricaturist  and  greatly  added  to  his  popu- 
larity. idaretzek  presented  him  with  a handsome  gold  watch  as 
a special  testimonial. 

A week  after  the  l)all,  the  “ comics  ” were  auctioned  off  at 
a good  figure.  Kventually  most  of  them  found  their  way  to 
Thomas’s  saloon— at  that  time 


A fine  “ Andy  ” Johnson  caricature — a double  page  in  which 
•folinson  as  Tago  is  endeavoring  to  convince  the  colored  man  that 
he  is  still  his  friend— touched  high  water  mark  for  1860.  The 
])icture  is  notable  in  the  excellence  of  its  conception  and  drawing; 
also  as  being  the  beginning  of  Nast’s  favorite  custom  of  using 
a Shakespearian  situation  as  the  setting  for  his  idea. 

Nast  had  never  been  an  enthusiastic  adherent  of  Johnson,  and 
now  took  especial  pains  to  caricature  him  in  a manner  as  care- 
ful as  it  was  severe.  He  alternated,  and  often  associated,  him 
with  bitter  portrayals  of  the  “ Ku-klux  ” outrages,  then  dis- 
gracing many  of  the  defeated  Southern  States.  He  depicted 
him  as  “ St.  Andy  ” the  injured— as  a bully— as  a would-be 


on  Broadway,  near  Twenty-third 
Street — where  crowds  came  to  see 
them— men  often  bringing  their 
wives  during  the  morning  hours 
when  the  ])lace  was  compara- 
tively empty.  Among  the  ]hctures 
a]ipeared  the  first  caricature  of 
John  T.  Hoffman,  then  Mayor, 
later,  as  Governor  of  the  State,  so 
notoriously  associated  with 
“ Boss  ” Tweed  and  his  “ Bing.” 


THE  SANTA  CLArS  OF  1864 


112 


THOMAS  NAST 


king.  Yet  however  l)itter  his  portrayals,  they  were  hut  the  ex- 
pression of  a sentiment  aroused  hy  the  President  himself,  in  his 
attitude  toward  the  })arty  wliich  had  elected  him.  Jiis  former 
supporters  regarded  him  as  a traitor,  and  his  offensive  i)ublic 
utterances  were  considered  a national  disgrace.  Tie  was  accused 
of  endeavoring  to  set  liimself  up  as  dictator — even  of  being 
concerned  in  the  assassination  of  Lincoln.  Two  years  later 
(February,  186S),  after  his  attempt  to  remove  Stanton  and  to 
discredit  (Jrant,  he  was  impeached,  and  was  saved  only  l)y  a 
single  vote  from  being  expelled  from  office.* 

The  “ Andy  ” .tohnson  cartoons  constituted  Xast’s  great  be- 
ginning in  the  held  of  caricature.  They  were  l>y  far  his  most 
inii)ortant  work  in  18(i(),  which  closed  with  what  the  writer  of 
this  record  considers  the  best  of  all  Santa  Claus  ])ictures,  be- 
cause for  him,  then  a l)oy  of  hve,  it  made  “ Santa  C'laus  and  Ilis 
Works  ” something  that  was  real  and  true  and  gave  to  Ids 
Christmas  a new  and  ])ermanent  joy. 

Through  18(57  the  struggle  ovei’  Reconstruction  issues  con- 
tinued. Legislation  with  a view  to  the  re-enfranchisement  of 
the  South,  and  conceridng  the  social  and  civil  rights  of  the 
manumitted  slaves,  was  conducted  under  the  most  turbulent 
conditions.  These  Avere  days  less  bloody  hut  hardly  less  bitter 
than  those  of  actual  warfare.  The  situation  in  many  of  the 
Southern  States  Avas  so  dire  that  one  capable  authority  is  re- 
ported to  have  said  that  if  he  owned  both  hell  and  Texas,  he 
would  select  the  former  as  his  dAvelling  place. 

It  was  early  in  1867  that  a caricature  of  the  “ frovernment  of 
the  City  of  Noav  York  ” marked  the  beginning  of  a crusade 
for  ciA’ic  reform,  the  success  of  which,  alone,  would  )rei'])etuate 
the  name  of  Thomas  Xast. 

* The  iinpeaclinient  of  Andrew  .lolinson  was  a measure  hardly  justified  under  the 
law,  and  would  never  have  heen  undertaken  hut  for  the  President’s  };enerally  of- 
fensive attitude  toward  Congress.  The  un])recedcnted  event  crowded  the  galleries  of 
the  Senate,  and  special  tickets  of  admission  were  issued. 


s 


WHAT  Tmet  wire. 


* 0 HAJ  ^ J-'  C^7*»i 

rflR  r_ A s ON 

CRIME  AND  MUST  BE  ^."1 
MADE  ODIOUS.  AND  TRAITO^ 
MUST  bE  PUNlSHEDxi^ 


LOVE 
£fJEM<  L: 


C*«ATfl 


OTHtLLO.  DOST  THOU  MOCK  Mt  ? 

1AGO.  - I MOCK  TOUI  NO, BY  HEAVEN 

WOULD  YOU  WOULD  BEAR  YOUR  FORTUNES  LIKE  A MAN 


■Mm  iT^ORkS.  f/fy 


AN  “aNDY”  JOHNSON  CAUTOON  OF  1«6U 
(The  beginning  of  Nast’s  cuKtoni  of  using  Shakespearian  situations  as  settings  for  his  ideas) 
8 


114 


THOMAS  XAST 


Tliere  were  no  individual  faces  in  tliis  first  picture.  It  merely 
showed  the  City  Government  in  the  hands  of  a corru[)t  element, 
roughs  and  gamblers,  with  the  “ Steal  King  ” suspended  behind 
the  chair  of  the  chief  officer.  It  was  by  no  means  an  able  effort 
as  compared  with  the  “ Jiing  ” cartoons  which  were  to  appear 
a few  years  later;  but  if  we  except  the  page  of  “ Police  Scandal  ” 
in  1859,  it  was  the  earliest  of  Nast’s  “ corru])tion  ” cartoons,  and 
constituted  a sort  of  manifesto  of  a future  crusade.  During 
the  remainder  of  the  year  “ Andy  ” Johnson  pictures  predom- 
inated, and  further  portrayals  of  those  “ Ku-klux  ” and  other 
Keconstruction  })hases  which  we  may  well  afford  to  forget. 

It  was  in  1867 
that  Nast  first  met 
David  R.  Locke, 
who  as  Petroleum 
Y.  Nashy  liad  been 
doing  the  “ Con- 
fedrit  Crossroads’’ 
papers — a lunnor- 
ous  political  series 
Avhich  Nast,  in  com- 
mon with  a multitude  of  other  Northern  readers,  had  followed 
with  delight  in  Locke’s  paper,  the  Toledo  Blade.  The  two  men 
met  Avith  great  rejoicing  and  became  good  friends.  The  artist 
subsefjuently  made  a drawing  of  their  first  meeting,  and  was 
the  illustrator  of  tAVO  of  Nashy ’s  books — “ Swingin’  Round  the 
Cirkle  ” and  “ Ekkoes  from  Kentucky.”  “ Nast  and  Nashy  ” 
made  an  attractiA'e  advertising  iJirase  Avhich  the  publishers  used 
Avith  telling  effect. 

The  cartoonist’s  most  imi)ortant  woiL  this  year  Avas  his  double 
page  “ Amphitheatrum  Johnsonianum, ” Avhich  represented 
Johnson  as  Nero  regarding  Avith  composure  the  “ Massacre  of  the 
Innocents,”  a race  riot  which  had  occurred  at  NeAV  Orleans,  July 


r 


THE  MEETING  OF  NAST  AND  NASBY 


'mpero: 


LONG  L8VR 


Kmc  ANDY  I 


YOU  ?m  mi  TAXI 


y um  YOUR  m\Qi 


JOHNSON’  AS  KlXCi  srPPOIlTED  HA’  SEWAHD  AND  WELLES.  IN  THE  DIST.ANCE,  HENKV 
WAHI)  HEECHEH,  WENDELL  PHILLII’S,  CHARLES  SUMNER  AND  OTHER  AHOLITIONISTS 
ARE  FORMED  IN  A LINE  FOR  EXECUTION.  AT  THE  END  OF  THIS  LINE  IS  NAST  HIMSELF 


no 


THOMAS  XAST 


! I'i  |m))farlimfirt|^lrfsiilfnt:: 


;■  -j PSo  He  >t> : ' 

-■■■  ?’t- 

:h1%--0  - I ?i, 
■ ' :v  n 


liSAnm 

AP^RIL  7'-=  1868. 


30tli,1866.”  Tlie por- 
traits in  this  car- 
toon are  striking 
and  nnniistakable, 
I as  was  always  the 
|i  case  in  the  work  of 
Nast.  Even  among 
the  concourse  of 
little  figures  in  the 
crowded  C’oliseuin  galleries,  we  may  to-day  pick  out  the  familiar 
faces  of  history.  Nast  almost  never  thought  it  necessary  to  label 
his  characters,  as  is  the  custom  now.  .Johnson  was  always  .folin- 
son,  whatever  the  guise.  Seward,  who  had  kept  his  place  in  the 
Cabinet,  and  lost  prestige  thereby,  was  usually  prominent  and 
never  could  be  mistaken.  Welles,  Greeley,  Stanton,  and  all  the 
rest— wherever  they  appeared  and  under  whatever  conditions— 
retained  their  features  and  character  and  needed  no  cards  of 
identification.  Many  cartoonists  have  found  it  necessary  to  exag- 
gerate features  to  obtain  results,  often  at  the  expense  of  likeness. 
Nast,  on  the  other  hand,  merely  emphasized  characteristics  and 
so  gained  rather  than  lost,  in  establishing  identity. 

On  i\Iay  11,  1867,  Harper’s  Weekly  ))uhlished  a fine  full-page 
portrait  of  Nast  himself,  with  a sketch  of 
his  life  and  work.  In  summing  up  his  posi- 
tio7i  in  caricature,  the  writer  said: 

“ Gilray  is  the  only  political  draftsman 
who  can  be  at  all  named  with  Nast,  but  Gil- 
ray’s  work  is  gross  and  prosaic  caricature, 
compared  with  the  subtle  and  suggestive 
touch  of  Nast.” 

Yet  this  was  when  the  artist  was  hut 
twenty-seven  years  of  age,  with  his  great-  the  puesident’s  joy  at 

" THE  IlESULT  OF  THE  IM- 

Gst  work  still  unureained.  peachmext  thial 


AxMPHlTHEATUrM  JOHNSOXIANUM 

(President  Jolmsoii  viewing  the  massacre  of  Ne^\  Orleans.  In  the  lower  left-hand  corner  (irant  is  staying  the  sword  of  Sheridan.  Among  the  little  faces  in  the 

distance,  Mant<m  Marl)le,  IIofTinan,  Oreeley.  I.ogan  and  many  others  are  recognizable) 


ClIAPTEK  XVI 

NATIONAL  POLITICS  AND  DOMKSTIC  IIAPl’INESS 

Little  of  Nast’s  work  appears  in  Harper’s  Weekly  during  the 
latter  half  of  18G7.  He  was  chietly  engaged  during  this  period 
in  illustrating  a variety  of  hooks,  including  some  histories  of 
the  war,  a portion  of  Mrs.  Dodge’s  “ Hans  Drinker,”  and  a lot 
of  toy  hooks  for  McLoughlin  Brothers— the  most  poiiular  series 
ever  issued  liy  that  tirni.  Also,  he  was  employed  in  painting 
for  exhibition  a large  series  of  tierce  i>olitical  cartoons— a ven- 
ture encouraged  by  the  success  of  the  “ Opera  Ball  ” display. 
This  “ Caricatiirama  ” was  badly  managed,  for  Xast  was  never 
a financier,  and  was  abandoned  after  a brief  season  of  New 
York  and  l^oston,  during  which  it  excited  considerable  admira- 
tion, a share  of  resentment,  and  resulted  in  no  })rofit  whatever. 

The  ambitious  cartoonist  was  not  discouraged.  He  ])ut  the 
big  failure  away  and  went  back  to  his  boxwood  and  pencils.  A 
weekl}'  illustrated  jiajier  entitled  tbe  News  had  entered  the 
Chicago  field,  and  in  order  to  command  immediate  attention 
engaged  Nast  to  contribute  cartoons.  He  was  not  then  liound 
by  a retainer  to  draw  only  for  the  Weekly,  and  the  Chicago 
work,  chiefly  Johnson  caricatures,  jiroved  profitable.  This  was 
in  the  early  part  of  sixty-eight,  during  the  great  Imiieachment 
Trial,  for  wliich  Nast  received  one  of  the  special  admission  tick- 
ets, though  he  did  not  attend.  In  i\Iay,  when  the  Kepublican 


NATIONAL  POLITICS  AND  DOMESTIC  HAPPINESS  119 


National  Convention  came  along,  the  artist  went  to  Chicago  to 
be  present. 

It  was  settled  beforehand  that  General  Grant  was  to  be  the 
Kepublican  presidential  candidate.  The  great  soldier  had  main- 
tained a calm  and  noble  dignity  through  all  the  trying  days  of 
conflict  between  Congress  and  the  recreant  Johnson,  and  was 
now  honored  almost  as  much  for  his  diplomacy  as  for  his  suc- 
cess at  arms.  Indeed,  the  mantle  of  sweet  renown  left  by  Lin- 
coln would  seem  to  have  been  laid  u[)on  the  shoulders  of  Grant, 
and  he  Avore  it  with  becoming  grandeur  and  humility. 

Idealizing  that  the  convention  Avould  name  Grant  as  its  choice, 
Xast  prepared  a little  surprise  for  the  event,  lie  painted  upon 
a large  curtain  the  AVhite  House  entrance,  Avith  two  pedestals, 
one  on  each  side,  bearing  the  Avoids  “ Kepublican  Nominee, 
Chicago,  May  20th,”  and  “ Democratic  Nominee,  NeAv  York, 
duly  -tth,”  respectiA’ely.  On  the  Kepublican  pedestal  aauis  seated 
the  figure  of  Grant,  while  Columbia  stood  pointing  to  the  empty 
place,  opposite.  BcIoav,  were  the  Avords,  “ Match  Him!  ” 

This  curtain,  Avith  a blank  cuidain  before  it,  Avas  suspended 
at  the  back  of  the  convention  stage.  At  the  instant  AA'hen  Gen- 
eral Grant  Avas  announced  as  the  unanimous  presidential  choice 
of  his  party,  the  lilank  curtain  Avas  lifted  and  tlie  great  cartoon 
“ Match  Him  ” aauis  suddenly  exposed  to  full  A'ieAV. 

The  occurrence  Avas  so  unexpected  that  the  throng  Avas  silent 
for  a moment,  taking  it  in.  Then,  realizing  that  it  Avas  a spec- 
tacular climax — the  iiictorial  expression  of  a uniA’ersal  senti- 
ment—the  assembled  multitude  gave  vent  to  an  enthusiasm  that 
turned  the  great  hall  into  a pandemonium  of  exultation. 

This  incident  added  greatly  to  Nast’s  popularity.  The 
” ^latch  Him  ” jiicture  was  redraAA’ii  for  publication,  and  then 
another,  entitled  “ Matched,”  with  Schuyler  Colfax,  the  Kepub- 
lican vice-presidential  candidate,  seated  on  the  opposing  pedes- 
tal. Poems  and  songs  called  “ Match  Him  ” and  “ Matched  ” 


130 


THOMAS  XAST 


were  written  and  sung,  and  articles  of  commerce  were  given 
these  names  as  mascots.  IIari>er  Bi'otliers  urged  him  to  take  up 
his  work  once  more  for  the  AVeekh",  and  promi)tIy  advanced 
his  rate  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  double  page.  This 
was  a figure  five  times  as  great  as  he  had  at  first  received,  and 
accounted  fabulous,  as  indeed  it  was,  for  that  period. 

In  fact  “ Tommy  ” Xast,  as  he 
was  still  called  by  his  old-time  asso- 
ciates, was  making  stout  strides 
“ along  the  turnpike  of  fame.”  He 
was  without  a rival  in  his  new  field. 
I'lie  elder  Bellew  did  an  occasional 
caricature,  but  bis  Avork,  tbougb  not 
without  charm,  bad  little  political 
importance.  When  Nast  did  not 
contribute,  the  Weekly  confined  its 
caricature  to  small  ])ictures,  mostly 
of  a domestic  nature. 

He  no  longei-  lived  at  his  little 
(piarters  on  West  44th  Street,  but 
bad  moved  twice— in  18(53  to  York- 
ville,  a ])retty  countrified  place  (now  89tb  Sti’eet  and  Mast  Kiver), 
and  a year  later  to  a bouse  of  bis  own  in  Harlem,  on  I'iotb  Street 
near  F^iftb  Avenue— a pro]>erty  that  increased  rapidly  in  value 
and  })roved  a fine  investment.  He  bad  been  made  a director  in  a 
well-known  savings  bank,  and  bad  be(*ome  a member  of  the  Union 
League  (dub  and  of  the  Seventh  Regiment.  Club  and  Regiment 
friends  were  fond  of  driving  in  “ Harlem  Ijane  ” on  Sunday 
afternoons,  and  of  dro})])ing  in  on  the  cheerful  Xast  bousebold, 
where  the  latch-string  was  always  out  and  the  tea-table  made 
long,  to  accommodate  all  who  came. 

To  the  Harlem  cottage  came  also  many  friends  of  former  days, 
and  among  these  were  comrades  of  the  (Jaribaldian  campaign  — 


GENEKAL  ULYSSES  S.  GUANT 
(From  a pliotogiapli) 


NATIONAL  POLITICS  AND  DOMESTIC  HAPPINESS  121 


liglit-liearted  soldiers  of  fortune,  who,  following  the  trade  of  war, 
had  cast  their  lot  with  the  Union— most  of  them  low  in  purse, 
now  that  their  occupation  was  gone.  Nast  hade  them  welcome 
and  helped  them  with  a liberal  hand.  Among  them  was  the  im- 
petuous and  fretful  l)e  Kohan,  reduced  hut  still  unsuhdued-- 
scolding  his  former  }>rotege  while  accepting  his  bounty — and  a 
certain  Colonel  Percy  AVyndham,  once  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 
now,  alas,  acting  as  a dispenser  of  subscription  hooks  until  such 
time  as  the  call  “ to  arms!  ” should  summon  him  to  new  tields 
of  compiest. 

But  with  the  exception  of  Sunday  the  Nast  home  life  was 
usually  a quiet  one.  The  artist  had  built  in  the  rear  of  his  lot 
a large  studio  where  he  worked  steadily,  while  the  young  wife 
cared  for  the  babies — there  were  three  now — or  discussed  his 
work  with  him,  fre<iuently  helping  him  with  the  lines  that  were 
to  go  beneath  his  pictures,  verbal  expression  being  ever  his  weak 
I)oint.  It  was  ^Irs.  Nast  who  had  suggested  the  words  “ Match 
Him!  ” for  his  Chicago  curtain;  and  many  other  of  the  terse 
and  telling  legends  beneath  his  cartoons  were  due  to  her.  Often 
she  read  to  him  as  he  Avorked,  first  the  papers,  then  standard 
fiction  (Thackeray  by  preference)  or  some  hook  of  useful  infor- 
mation. At  times  he  engaged  certain  impecunious  college  men 
who  for  a dollar  an  hour  were  glad  to  read  and  discuss  solid 
hooks  of  history  and  science.  Thus,  in  a great  measure,  did  he 
make  up  for  a lack  of  school  education  in  youth. 

In  the  matter  of  historical  references— averse  as  he  was  to 
research — Nast  seemed  neA'er  at  a loss  to  find  his  facts  or  quo- 
tations. He  seemed  to  know  as  by  instinct  where  to  tuni,  and 
his  wife,  Avhose  joy  it  was  to  transcribe  and  A^erify,  seldom  found 
him  wrong.  Their  union  of  symiiathy  and  labor  made  their 
home  life  ideal.  They  might  have  been  almost  continuously 
entertained  by  their  friends,  as  Avell  as  by  social  and  political 
leaders,  aa’Iio,  recognizing  in  the  cartoonist  a new  power,  Avere 


122 


THOMAS  NAST 


anxious  to  do  him  honor.  AVisely  they  refrained  from  these 
things.  They  i)referred  to  spend  their  evenings  together,  she 
with  her  sewing,  he  going  over  the  daily  papers,  of  which  he  was 
an  inveterate  reader,  keeping  always  posted  and  in  touch  with 
the  times— forming  his  own  opinions— always  armed  and  ready 
to  strike  any  head  that  might  be  lifted  on  the  wrong  side.  AMien 
a new  picture  would  present  itself  he  would  walk  the  floor  and 
talk  to  her.  Such  gesticulating  and  earnestness!  He  was  so 
young  then— so  full  of  fire  and  eagerness!  He  liked  to  ex])ress 
his  ideas,  he  said,  and  hear  how  they  sounded  when  put  into 

words.  The  very  voicing  of  them 
often  gave  him  fresh  hints. 
Sometimes,  vdien  he  seemed  to 
have  discussed  the  full  round  of 
subjects,  his  listener  would  say 
to  him, 

“ AVell,  once  more  the  affairs  of 
the  universe  are  settled— they 
ought  to  keep  so  till  morning.  Xow 
I will  ])ut  the  children  to  bed.” 
Many  of  Xast’s  newspaper  clip- 
pings are  still  ])reserved,  Avith 
their  multitude  of  interlined 
pencillings  that  as  clearly  ex]>ress 
his  views  as  Avould  the  most  co- 
pious marginal  commentary.  His 
A’iews  were  his  oaa'u— rather  than 
those  of  any  particular  ])arty  or 
faction — and  it  Avas  Fletcher  Har])er  who  gave  him  the  liberty 
necessary  to  make  their  pictorial  maintenance  a national  power. 

It  has  been  claimed  by  detractors  of  X^ast  that  George  AA  illiam 
Curtis,  who  in  1S()6  became  the  editor  of  Ilari)er’s  AA  eekly,  sup- 
jAlied  most  of  the  ideas  for  the  cartoons.  So  far  is  this  from 


FLETCHEH  HARPEK 
(From  a photograph) 


NATIONAL  POLITICS  AND  DOMESTIC  HAPPINESS  133 


the  fact  that  jNlr.  Curtis’s  letters,  almost  from 
the  hegimiing,  show  his  eontimial  attitude  of 
})rotest  as  to  the  force  and  multitude  of  Nast’s 
ideas.  Already  in  dune,  18(J(!,  we  find  him  ad- 
vising against  the  Johnson  caricatures,  not 
considering  it  wise,  as  he  says,  “ to  break 
finally  and  oi)enly  with  our  own  Administra- 
tion,” believing,  as  every  writer  is  prone  to 
believe,  that  editorial  admonition  may  he 
qualified  so  as  to  be  withdrawn  or  forgotten, 
when  a })icture  would  l)e  a blow  beyond  recall. 

” The  pictures  you  suggest  are,  as  usual,  telling  arguments 
and  hard  hits,”  he  says.  ” Some  of  them  are  so  hard  that  I 
hoj)e  it  may  not  be  necessary  to  use  them.” 

Jt  is  ])ossible  that  this  letter  marked  the  beginning  of  the  two 
widely  different  policies  which  so  often  distinguish  the  editorial 
and  pictorial  pages  of  the  great  Journal  of  Civilization.  Curtis 
and  Nast  were  allowed  to  fight  civilization’s  battles,  each  in  his 
own  way.  One  used  a gleaming  battle-axe  and  struck  huge 
slaughtering  blows— the  other,  the  rai)ier  and  the  foil,  with  a 
manual  of  carte  and  tierce,  of  subtle  feint  and  thrust.  'When 
the  two  methods  conflicted,  as  they  were  hound  to  do,  it  was 
Fletcher  Ilaiper  who  stepped  in  and  made  plain  a policy  that 
was  wide  enough  to  include  both. 

” The  Weekly  is  an  independent  forum,”  he  would  ex])lain. 
” There  are  many  contributors.  It  is  not  necessary  that  all 
should  agree.  i\lr.  Curtis  and  Mr.  Xast  are  personally  resi)on- 
sihle — each  for  his  own  contributions.” 

It  was  seldom  that  he  refused  to  ])uhlish  any  sincere  expres- 
sion of  opinion,  Avhether  written  or  drawn.  It  Avas  a time  of 
individuals  rather  than  of  ])olicies. 

And  there  were  giants  in  those  days. 


r 

i 


GEOKGF.  W.M.  CUKTIS 
(Kroni  a pliotogiiii)li) 


C’llAlTKlJ  XVII 

A CAMPAIGN  AM)  A KKrOdNITIOX 

Ilarjier’s  V'eekly  oju'iiod  the  Presi- 
dential Cainjiaign  of  18G8  liy  reprinting 
on  June  dtli  the  ])ieture  of  (^olninl)ia 
decorating  (Jrant,  first  jiublished  during 
tlie  Avinter  of  sixty-four.  This  Avas  fol- 
loM’ed  hy  some  caricature  cartoons 
in  M’hich  Cliief  Justice  Salmon  P.  Chase 
- a candidate  for  the  Democratic  nom- 
ination— is  most  prominent.  One  of  the 
first  of  these  (lei)icts  ('hase  as  a parson, 
wedding  Democracy  to  the  negro  vote. 
In  this  ])icture  a])pear  Manton  Marble, 
then  editor  of  the  M'orld,  John  T.  Hoff- 
man, candidate  for  (Jovernor,  the  elder 
Bennett,  .lohn  Morrissey  and  others  of  the  “ faithful,”  including 
Horatio  Seymour,  whose  face  lent  itself  to  the  sort  of  caricature 
Xast  most  loved.  Seymour  was  rathei’  bald  and  had  two  little 
side  locks  which  ])rojected  ujiward,  like  horns.  Xast  merely 
accentuated  these  and  gave  the  face  a slightly  Satanic  cast.  The 
re.sult  was  as  diabolical  as  it  was  humorous.  Seymoui’,  who,  in 
good  faith,  had  refused  to  he  a candidate,  eventually  proved  the 
choice  of  his  pai-ty  and  became  the  demon-satyi’  of  the  campaign. 


HOKATKi  SEYMOt’K 
(From  a photograph) 


A CAMPAIGN  AND  A RECOGNITION 


125 


The  Democratic  Convention  was  lield  at  Tammany  Hall,  then 
just  completed  on  its  present  site.  Many  of  the  prominent  lead- 
ers of  the  South  were  actively  present,  including  General  Forrest, 
AVade  Hampton,  and  John  B.  Gordon.  Friends  had  suggested, 
kindly  enough,  that  with  their  records  fresh  in  the  public  mind 
these  men  might  properly  re- 
main in  obscurity.  This  ad- 
vice they  resented  with  great 
indignation  and  insisted  on 
being  foremost  in  parliament 
and  conclave.  The  result  was 
that  the  decision  of  the  Con- 
vention was  not  likely  to  be 
favorable  to  a man  like  Gen- 
eral Hancock,  who,  though  a 
Democrat,  was  a gallant  Union 
soldier,  nor  to  Salmon  P. 

A WILD-GOOSE  CHASE 

Chase,  who  had  ClGClUrBCl  lOI*  POLITICAL  POSITION  OF  CHIEF-JCSTICE  CHASE 

(Salmon  P.  Chase  trj'ing  to  capture  the  Democratic  Con- 

universal  suffrage  and  the  ventionorms) 

payment  of  the  government  bonds  in  gold.  “ The  same 
money  for  the  bond-holder  as  for  the  plough-holder  ” was 
the  cry,  and  “ Down  with  military  usurpation!  ” AA'ade 
Hampton  caused  to  be  embodied  in  the  })latform  a plank 
which  declared  “ that  we  regard  the  Deconstruction  Acts 
of  Congi'ess  as  unconstitutional,  revolutionary,  and  void.” 
After  that  there  was  but  one  of  two  things  to  do.  They  must 
either  nominate  a Confederate  general  or  a Xorthern  man  of 
similar  convictions.  They  recalled  Horatio  Seymour’s  war  rec- 
ord, including  the  Draft  Kiot  e])isode,  and  on  the  morning  of 
the  fourth  day  in  spite  of  his  protests,  in  a grand  whirl  of  en- 
thusiasm, selected  him  to  head  the  ticket.  For  the  second  place 
they  chose  General  Frank  P.  Blair  of  Missouri,  whose  chief  quali- 
fication, from  the  Convention’s  point  of  view,  seemed  to  be  the 


126 


THOMAS  NAST 


fact  that,  having  fought  bravely  for  the  Union,  he  vas  now  will- 
ing to  engage  in  an  effort  to  undo  most  of  what  as  a soldier  he 
had  helped  to  accomplish.  Blair  not  only  subscribed  to  the 

AVade  Hampton  idea,  but  de- 
clared it  to  be  the  one  real 
issue  of  the  campaign,  Ilis 
nomination  was  received  with 
wild  acclaim,  and  incendiary 
speeches  followed.  Among 
these  was  one  by  Governor 
Vance,  of  North  Carolina,  who 
declared  that  all  the  South 
had  lost  when  defeated  by 
Grant,  they  would  regain 
when  they  triumphed  with 
Seymour  and  Blair.  Once 
more,  for  a brief  day,  Con- 
federacy was  in  the  saddle. 

Naturally,  it  was  just  the 
sort  of  a campaign  to  suit 
Thomas  Nast.  The  issues 
were  fierce  and  bitter.  The  war  was  to  be  fought  over  again. 

Yet  he  began  rather  tardily,  biding  his  time.  Then,  in  the 
late  summer,  he  opened  with  a page  cartoon  of  three  elements 
of  Democracj'  clasping  hands,  each  with  a foot  set  heavily  on 
the  prostrate  colored  man.  But  this  was  mild  and  general.  Sey- 
mour the  Satyr,  as  Lady  iMacbeth,  regarding  with  awesome  ter- 
ror the  stain  left  by  the  Draft  Kiots,  more  clearly  indicated 
what  was  to  be  the  real  point  of  attack.  Indeed,  this  ]iicture 
was  presently  included  with  the  old  “ Conpu’omise  ” cartoon  of 
sixty-four  in  a fierce  political  pamphlet  which  was  distributed 
broadcast.  The  campaign  grew  much  warmer  presently,  and 
Nast  always  worked  better  when  the  issues  began  to  flame  and 


TimCt  midnight.  Scene,  New  York  City  Dali. 
Lady  Macbeth— “Out,  damned  spot!  out,  Isay!  . . , 

SEYMOUR  AS  LADY  MACBETH 


A CAMPAIGX  A XI)  A HECOGXITIOX 


127 


sizzle.  By  the  middle  of  September  he  was  Hinging  weekly  thun- 
derbolts into  the  enemy’s  ranks.  Seymour  the  demon-satyr 
tem]iting  rolumhia  — Seymour  the  satyr  leading  the  Ku-klux 
K Ian  — Seymour  wallowing  in  a sea  of  troubles  as  the  State  elec- 
tions began  to  tell  the  tale  of  defeat,  were  shots  swift  and  sure. 
On  October  10th  a])peared  “ Patience  on  a ^Monument  “ Pa- 
tience ” being  the  colored  man,  and  the  “ ^Monument  ” a tower 
reciting  the  record  of  his  wrongs— the  tale  of  the  Draft  Biots 
and  other  outrages,  in  extracts  from  the  ])uhlic  press.  The  Cin- 
cinnati Gazette  re])rinted  the  “ ]\lonument  ” cartoon  as  a special 
supplement.  A campaign  publication  called  the  iNlirror,  issued 
“ as  often  as  occasion  might  refiuire,”  was  made  up  entirely  of 
his  pictures,  with  a]>propriate  extracts.  AW  these  told  on  the 
feelings  of  men  who  had  battled  in  the  field  for  ])rinci])les  which 
now  seemed  likely  to  he  sacrificed  through  the  hallot-hox.  They 
were  aroused  to  the  point  of  declaring  that  they  “ would  vote 
the  way  they  had  shot,”  and  the  returns  fr-om  each  State  elec- 
tions became  fearsome  handwi-iting  on  the  Democratic  walls. 


“ LEAD  US  NOT  INTO  TEMPTATION 


THOMAS  XAST 


SEYMOUR  SAYS  THE  NOMINATION  “ HAS 
PLUNGED  HIM  INTO  A SEA  OF  TROUBLES  ” 


(hie  of  the  hiial  and  most  effective  pictures  (October  31)  showed 
Seymour  on  the  one  liand  announcing  to  tlie  Draft  Eioters  that  he 
is  their  friend  and  will  have  the  draft  suspended  and  stopped, 

while  on  the  other  stands  Grant 
in  uniform,  and  just  beneath  him 
his  letter  to  General  Pendierton 
at  Vicksburg— written  almost 
at  the  exact  period  when  the 
Riots  were  in  ])rogress— an- 
nouncing no  terms  save  those 
of  an  “ unconditional  surrender 
of  cityandgarrison.”  Even  those 
soldiers  who  liad  followed  gal- 
lant Frank  Rlair  in  the  march 
“ from  Atlanta  to  the  sea  ” grew 
uneasy  of  conscience  when  tliey  thought  of  casting  a vote  for  one 
who  was  now  so  fiercely  espousing  the  “ lost  cause.” 

Indeed,  though  he  had  been  Imt  slightly  noticed  in  the  car- 
toons, it  was  chiefly  Blair’s  campaign.  Seymour  had  taken  little 
active  jiart  in  the  canvass,  while  Blair  had  gone  abroad  in  the 
land, scattering  the  most  alarming  utterances.  The  sad  unwisdom 
of  this  became  apparent  as  the  returns  for  each  State  election 
came  in.  In  the  eleventh  hour  it  was  determined  that  Blair  was  a 
mistake.  Those  who  had  shrieked  their  enthusiasm  at  the  moment 
of  his  nomination  now  demanded  that  he  retire  to  the  rear. 
Vanton  j\larl)le  of  the  World  was  for  dismissing  him  altogether. 

Seymour  went  to  the  front,  but  to  no  ]mrpose.  His  ticket 
was  confessedly  weak.  In  the  election  he  obtained  but  eighty 
of  the  electoral  votes,  while  two  hundred  and  fourteen  were 
secured  for  Grant. 

Yet  it  had  not  been  so  great  a Reimbliean  victory  as  these 
figures  would  seem  to  indicate.  New  York  had  been  carried  for 
Seymonr.  New  Jersey  and  Oregon  had  likewise  gone  Democratic, 


A CAMPAIGN  AND  A RECOGNITION 


129 


while  in  California  and  Indiana  the  results  were  distnrhingly 
close.  Had  Seymour  received  the  vote  of  the  “ solid  South,’’ 
Grant  would  have  been  defeated. 

Under  the  circumstances  it  was  hut  natural  that  the  success- 
ful candidates  should  feel  grateful  to  a man  like  Xast,  whose 
cartoons  were  believed  to  have  materially  aided  the  Kepublican 
cause.  Letters  of  thanks  came  from  all  quarters.  From  John 
Itussell  Young,  then  managing  editor  of  the  Tribune,  came  a 
hearty  line  of  commendation  and  unstinted  praise.  He  said: 

I want,  as  one  citizen  of  this  free  and  enlightened  country, 
to  thank  you  for 
your  services  in 
the  canvass.  In 
summing  u])  the 
agencies  of  a great 
and  glorious  tri- 
umph I know  of  no 
one  that  has  been 
more  effective  and 
more  brilliant.  I 
salute  you  on  the 
threshold  of  a 
splendid  career. 

But  it  remained 
for  Grant  himself 
to  pay  the  final 
word  of  tribute. 

‘ ‘ Two  things 
elected  me,”  he 
said:  “ the  sword 
of  Sheridan  and 
the  pencil  of 
Thomas  Nast.” 

Tammany,  it  is 
true,  through  a 

fraud  which  has  patience  on  a monument 


130 


THOMAS  NAST 




(Grant  at  Vicksburg,  July,  18G3)  (Seymour  in  Xew  York.  July,  18G3) 

becoiiu^  notorious  in  our  ])olitieal  history,  and  of  Avliieh  wo  sliall 
liear  again,  bad  triuni])lied  in  New  York  Cdty  and  State:  John  T. 
Hoffman  bad  been  ebosen  as  (Jovernor,  wliile  A.  Oakey  Hall  bad 
l)een  selected  to  succeed  liiin  as  Mayor.  There  was  a recognized 
need  of  a ciaisade  for  civic  refonn,  but  tbe  conditions  were  not  yet 
ripe.  Once  during  tbe  campaign  (Oct.  lOtb)  Nast  bad  paused 
long  enougb  to  issue  anotber  manifesto  of  warning.  This  Avas  a 
small  cartoon  of  Hoffman  standing  before  a screen,  bebind 
wbieb  a gang  of  tbioAms  is  busily  rilling  tbe  City  Treasury. 
Above  tbem  is  tbe  legend  “ Tbou  sbalt  steal  as  mucb  as  tbou 
canst,”  signed  “ Tbe  King.”  No  face  but  Hoffman’s  was  de- 
picted, and  Hoffman  doubtless  gave  little  beed  to  AA'bat  be  i)er- 
baps  considered  merely  a bit  of  campaign  i)leasantry.  On  Janu- 


^TATCTTETt.  (?)  «a  wob  tak  prvotp 


A CAMPAIGN  AND  A RECOGNITION 


131 


ary  first  he  took  his  seat  at  Albany  in  the  pleasant  assurance 
that  all  was  going  well  in  city  and  State,  and  that  for  a term 
at  least  “ virtue  ” must  prosper  at  botli  ends  of  the  line. 

It  was  during  the  sunnner  of  1868  that  Anson  Burlingame, 
one  of  America’s  noblest  diplomats,  then  late  United  States 
Minister  to  China,  was  making  a tour  around  the  world  with  a 
retinue  of  Chinese  officials,  having  been  appointed  by  Prince 
Kung  to  act  as  Special  Chinese  Ambassador  to  other  nations, 
the  only  such  instance  on  record.  Xast  celebrated  the  episode 
in  a cartoon  entitled  “ The  Youngest  (America)  Introducing 
the  Oldest  (China)  ” to  the  nations  of  the  world.  iMr.  Burlingame 
admired  the  picture,  and  from  'Washington,  in  July,  wrote: 

^ly  Dear  Xast : 

Permit  me  to  thank  you  most  cordially  for  sending  to  me 
Hairier ’s  containing  your  wonderful  creation  entitled,  “ The 


THE  YOUNGEST  INTRODUCING  THE  OLDEST 

America  ; “ Brotheis  and  Sisters,  I am  ba)>py  to  present  to  you  the  Oldest  Member  of  the  Family,  who  desires  our 

better  atrquaintanee." 

(Nasfs  cartoon  iu  commemoration  of  Anson  Burlingame’s  trip  around  the  world  as  special  Chinese  ambas- 
sador. Mr.  Burlingame  is  seated  at  the  right) 


132 


THOMAS  NAST 


Youngest  Introducing  the 
Oldest.”  On  all  hands  it  is 
pronounced  the  best  thing  of 
the  kind  yet  seen.  I hope  to 
meet  and  talk  with  j’ou  about 
it. 

Pardon  this  hasty  note,  and 
believe  me,  ever. 

Yours  truly, 

Anson  Burlingame.* 

The  poet-editor  of  the  Xew 
York  Evening  Post,  another 
admirer  of  Xast  at  this  time, 
A UESPECTABLE  SCREEN  COVERS  A MULTITUDE  OF  oiie  moHiing  seiit  a I’ecjuest 

that  the  artist  drop  around 

(A  Ring  cartoon  of  1808— Hoffman  the  screen  to  cover 

tiie  city  frauds)  • aiid  iiioet  R youiig  lad}'  who 

had  found  pleasure  in  his  pictures.  Xast  agreed  but  forgot  to 
go,  and  IMr.  Bryant  wrote  a little  formally  to  remind  him. 

Dear  Sir: 

]\Iiss  Hatfield  has  been  here  this  moniing  in  hope  of  meeting 
you.  As  you  did  not  come,  she  desired  to  know  if  it  will  be 
agreeable  to  you  to  come  next  Friday,  as  soon  after  half-past 
nine  in  the  morning  as  may  suit  your  convenience.  I shall  come 
in  on  that  day  from  the  country,  and  she  will  be  here. 

Yours  respectfully. 

To  Thos.  Xast,  Esq.  W.  C.  Bryant. 

Xast  went  this  time  and  commemorated  the  occasion  to  the 
extent  of  making  a good-natured  caricature  of  the  poet.  That 
the  picture  did  not  offend  the  subject  is  shown  by  his  comment 
in  a subsequent  letter  to  Miss  Hatfield. 

As  to  the  caricature,  it  is  very  clever,  and  if  the  subject  were 
any  other  than  myself,  I have  no  doubt  that  T should  like  it. 
All  that  could  be  asked  of  me,  I think,  is  that  I should  not  object 
to  it. 

* Mr.  Burlingame  proceeded  on  his  tour,  from  America,  negotiating  numerous 
treaties  for  the  Chinese  Government.  But  in  St.  Petersburg  he  was  taken  suddenly 
ill,  and  died  (February,  1870),  mourned  in  many  nations. 


A CAMPAIGN  AND  A RECOGNITION 


133 


Tlie  years  of  Keconstructiou  had  constituted  an  epoch  of 
chaos  and  disorder.  It  was  the  inevitable  transition  period, 
when  the  war— shifted  from  the  field  forum— was  to  rage  and 
rankle,  and  fade  into  j^urposeless  discussions  of  no  definite  be- 
ginning, no  climax  and  no  absolute  end  so  long  as  the  issues 
themselves  were  not  wholly  dead.  The  apostasy  of  Andrew 
Johnson  had  distorted  even  such  measures  of  good  as  had  re- 
sulted from  that  unhappy  interregnum  which,  viewed  in  retro- 
spect, seems  as  a dark  smirch 
on  the  nation’s  histoiy. 

But  with  the  return  of  the 
seceding  states  and  the  elec- 
tion of  Grant,  hostilities  be- 
came less  openly  violent. 

They  might  develop  again 
with  another  presidential  con- 
test, but  four  years  must 
elapse  between,  and  the  public 
impulse  was  for  peace. 

Nast  was  in  Washington  for  the  inaugural  ceremonies,  and 
on  the  morning  of  March  3d,  when  everybody  was  mystified 
as  to  the  members  of  the  new  Cabinet,  he  made  a drawing  of 
Grant  shaking  five  cats  out  of  a bag.  The  cats  were  all  com- 
plete except  their  heads.  When  the  sketch  had  proceeded  thus 
far  the  artist  took  it  around  to  Grant’s  headquarters  and  sent 
it  in  with  a polite  request  that  the  President  of  to-morrow 
should  add  the  heads.  Grant  did  not  comply  with  the  request, 
but  good-humoredly  promised  to  do  so  on  Friday  at  noon,  by 
which  the  joublic  knew  that  there  was  to  be  no  delay  in  his 
selections. 

It  was  in  April  of  this  year  that  the  artist  received  a hand- 
some public  recognition  of  his  services.  His  fellow  members  of 
the  Union  League  Club  under  the  leadership  of  Colonel  Push 


134 


THOMAS  NAST 


C.  Hawkins,  formerly  commander  of  “ Hawkins’  Zouaves,’^ 
combined  in  the  presentation  of  a beautiful  silver  vase,  repre- 
senting loyal  Art  armed  with  porte-crayons  piercing  the  open- 
mouthed  dragons  of  Secession.  This  vase,  designed  by  Colonel 
Hawkins,  bore  the  following  inscription: 


Thirty-six  members  of  the  Union  League  Club  unite  in  pre- 
senting this  vase  to  Thomas  Xast,  as  a token  of  their  admiration 
of  his  (Jenius,  and  of  his  ardent  devotion  of  that  Genius  to  the 
Preservation  of  his  Country  from  the  schemes  of  Rebellion. 

April,  18b9. 

The  Union  League  Club— itself  an  organization  for  devising 
ways  and  means  to  preserve  the  Union — thus  conferred  upon 
Thomas  Xast  its  highest  form  of  recognition. 

The  presentation  took  place  on  the 
evening  of  the  27th  and  was  a mem- 
orable affair.  Many  of  the  nation’s 
leaders  gathered  to  see  this  public 
honor  done  to  one  who  less  than  a 
quarter  of  a century  before  had  been 
a little  Bavarian  boy  in  the  meadows 
back  of  Landau.  If  only  the  Com- 
mandant of  the  barracks  might  have 
been  there  to  see  it  all,  and  to  listen  to 
the  fine  things  that  were  said  about 
the  little  lad  of  whom  he  had  pro- 
]fiiesied  so  kindly.  Senator  Henry 
"Wilson,  afterwards  Vice-president, 
James  Barton,  Richard  Grant  AVhitc, 
and  others  contributed  words  of 
praise.  In  Xast’s  reply  to  the  pres- 
THE  “UNION  I.EAGUE”  VASE  e7itatio7i  speoch  he  7’efers  to  hi7uself 
as  “ sta7idi7ig  just  heyo7id  the  th7-eshold  ” of  his  ca7’ee7’,  a7id  had 
he  waited  to  7’eview  his  life  tln’ough  the  iie7’spective  of  yeai’S,  he 
could  not  have  exp7’essed  the  truth  7uo7’e  exactly. 


NOT  “ LOVE,”  BUT  JUSTICE. 


noK  Lonxm  er/MT.  h«i  ».  imf. 


wttKtr.  tm  u.  ttm 


SIR  JONATHAN  FALSTAFF. 


SIR  JOHN  BILL  FALSTAFF. 


Pmc«  ••«•••  *mkAM.  DO  I 0«C  TOV  A TIIOOIAJCO  roWDr 

Mm  ■ A THOA'»An  fOTMO.  Al.'»~fOt*a  BV«PWD  MIXIO*-  THY  UlVt  tS  WOBTB  tOVI 

■TKOIttO  MIUJOM  YIMV  OWtgt  KS  TVT  c«M<« 


DWM  -SRS  PVMn  trAl  lACR.  UKUT  (miU  MAlir.aOWCS)  noi*  MOW  <(T  «irm 

cRKATinir.  or  bowba«ti  uo«  lom  srr  Aoa  rACc  hvc«  niot  >awtt  thim:  ua^a  txur~ 


(Nast’s  mastery  of  the  pencil  began  with  this  picture) 


aiAPTER  XVIII 

THE  l?EGIN]SriNGS  OF  A CKFSADE 

It  was  during  tlie  summer  of  1869  that  the  Alabama  claims 
against  England  for  the  destruction  of  Union  merchantmen 
by  Confederate  commerce  destroyers  built  in  British  ports, 
merited  frecjuent  i)ictorial  attention.  The  cartoon  of  June  2Cth 
relates  to  this  complication  and  is  notable  for  two  reasons— 
first,  in  showing  the  better  feeling  which  now  existed  between 
England  and  America,  and  second,  the  evidence  in  it  of  a 
marked  change  in  the  artist’s  method.  Drawings  for  illustration 
were  still  made  on  wood  blocks  and  engraved  by  hand.  Most 
of  Xast’s  earlier  work  had  been  done  with  fluid  color,  washed 
in  with  a brush.  In  the  “ Xot  Love  but  Justice  ” above  men- 
tioned, the  artist,  inspired  by  a masterly  drawing  in  London 
Punch,  discarded  the  brush  and  used  his  pencil  with  a care  and 
insight  scarcely  comprehended  before. 


136 


THOMAS  NAST 


It  was  as  if,  all  at  once,  lie  had  “ found  himself.”  Former 
methods  were  used  less  and  less,  while  his  immediate  and  wonder- 
ful mastery  of  “ cross-hatch  ” pencil  work  resulted  in  those 
inimitable  drawings  hy  which  he  will  longest  be  remembered. 

Domestic  and  moral  cartoons  were  continued  through  1869. 
The  IVeekly,  on  July  19th,  published  a page  picture  relating  to 
the  opening  of  the  Pacific  Pailroad,  and  the  “ All  Hail  and 
Farewell  ” philippic  with  which  IVendell  Phillips  heralded  the 
completion  of  the  great  new  enterprise.  The  picture  is  chiefly 
interesting  now  in  the  fact  that  it  recalls  the  fierce  opposition 
of  Phillips  to  this  particular  step  of  progress  and  his  violent 
expression  of  sentiments  which  long  since  have  been  stored  amid 
the  dust  and  dusk  of  archaic  things.  He  says: 

The  telegra]Ji  tells  us  that  the  Indians  have  begun  to  tear 
up  the  rails— to  shoot  ])assengers  and  conductors  on  the  road. 
AVe  see  great  good  in  this!  . . . Haunt  that  road  with  such 

dangers  that  none  will  dare  to  use  it. 

Xast  drew  Phillips  as  a redskin,  knife  in  hand,  lying  across 
the  track,  with  a locomotive  under  full  steam,  bearing  down 
upon  him.  Long  before  the  end  of  the  year  the  locomotive  had 
passed  by  and  trains  across  the  continent  were  running  on 
schedule  time. 

College  Athletics  and  the  International  Paces  were  used  as 
pictorial  material  during  this  year— also  the  terrible  Black  Fri- 
day (September  24,  1869)  when,  through  the  manipulation  of 
Jay  Gould  and  James  Fisk,  Jr.,  gold  at  11.36  A.M.  touched  1624 
and  closed  at  133f,  with  a net  profit  to  these  ” operators  ” of 
something  more  than  ten  million  dollars.  It  is  true  they  were 
obliged  to  get  an  injunction  under  a “ Tweed  Ping  ” judge  to 
j^revent  the  Gold  Exchange  from  adjusting  the  many  claims 
against  themselves,  hut  these  were  tactics  not  unusual  to  a time 
when  the  man  with  money  got  such  justice  as  accorded  with 
his  own  ideas.  Nast’s  picture  shows  AVall  Street  blockaded  with 


THE  BEGIXXIXGS  OF  A CRUSADE 


137 


dead  bulls,  with  the  face  of  “ Old  Trinity  ” grimly  regarding 
the  scene  of  slaughter.  It  would  seem  now  that  this  particular 
phase  of  plunder  might  have  been  entitled  to  further  pictorial 
notice;  instead  of  which,  “ Sectarianism  in  the  Public  Schools  ” 
and  “ Chinese  Exclusion  ’’—measures  to  which  Nast  was  always 
bitterly  opposed— claimed  his  attention. 

But  in  the  light  of  later  events  the  most  notable  cartoons  of 
1869  were  two  caricature  drawings  in  which  appear  portraits  of 

Boss  ” Tweed.  The  first  of  these  was  published  on  September 
11,  1869,  to  commemorate  certain  resolutions  charging  August 
Belmont  with  party  misfor- 
tunes and  shortcomings.  It 
was  a small  ])icture— a cloud 
no  bigger  than  a man’s  hand 
— in  which  Belmont  is  de- 
picted as  the  Democratic 
scapegoat,  while  Tweed  holds 
the  chair  of  i)residing  officer. 

The  second  Tweed  picture  is 
entitled  “ The  Economical 
Council,  at  Albany,  New 
York,”  and  comes  at  the  end 
of  the  year.  Governor  Hoff- 
man as  high-priest  sits  on  a dais  with  Peter  B.  Sweeny  at  his 
right  hand.  Facing  them  are  the  faithful  cohorts  of  high  taxes 
and  plunder- conspicuously  among  them  appearing  A.  Oakey 
Hall,  Bichard  B.  Connolly  and  'William  M.  Tweed.  On  Tweed’s 
mitred  headgear  appear  the  words  ” Big  Six  ” and  the  Tiger- 
head  emblem.  The  members  of  the  famous  ring  were  assembled, 
at  last.  Not  conspicuously  and  apart,  as  they  were  to  api^ear 
later,  hut  sim])ly  as  integers  of  a powerful  and  corrupt  political 
combination  which  Thomas  Nast  and  his  paper  were  first  to 
denounce  and  assail. 


“WHAT  A FALL  WAS  THERE,  MY  COLTsTRYMEN ! ” 

(The  wreck  in  Wall  Street  after  Black  Friday,  Sep- 
tember 24,  1809) 


138 


THOMAS  NAST 


Nast’s  inherent  loathing  for  anything  that  resembled  a com- 
bination for  the  purpose  of  unfair  advantage  is  shown  in  his 
own  retirement  from  the  savings  bank  board  of  trustees,  because 
that  institution  had  voted  salaries  to  himself  and  other  inactive 
officers  out  of  the  bank  funds.  In  his  resignation  he  said: 
I have  always  understood  that  this  was  a charitable  institu- 
tion and  that  the  trustees  willingly  gave  their  service  gratui- 
tously. But  the  res- 
olutions passed  at 
the  last  regular 
monthly  meeting 
]u-oveit  to  be  a char- 
itable institution 
for  the  trustees. 

“ You  s])eak  elo- 
quently of  gather- 
ing the  crumbs  of 
the  poor,  hut  it  ap- 
]iears  to  me  that 
after  they  are  gath- 
ered you  would  put 
them  in  your  own 
pockets.  Therefore,  not  caring  to  belong  to  a Savings  Bank 
‘ King,’  I tender  my  resignation,  which  shall  be  acceihed.” 

A combination  for  looting  the  public  treasury,  however  power- 
ful might  be  its  memhers,  or  whatever  pressure  might  be  brought 
to  hear,  could  expect  little  in  the  way  of  mercy  from  the  hand 
which  had  written  that  letter.  In  their  ignorance  or  arrogance  it 
may  be  that  the  “ King  ” did  not  give  much  heed  to  a ])icture 
paper.  Yet  they  must  have  known  of  the  punishment  of  Johnson 
and  of  Seymour— who  were  as  crucified  martyrs  beside  these 
soulless  freebooters— and  it  is  likely  that  the  cartoon  of 
December  25th  did  not  escape  the  notice  of  Tammany  Hall. 
Perhaps  if  Tweed  and  Company’s  attention  had  been  called 
to  that  communication,  and  if  in  the  light  of  its  meaning  they 
had  considered  those  few  early  cartoons,  they  might  have  read 
in  these  hints  and  signs  the  gradual  gathering  of  a stonn  that 
would  not  “ blow  over.” 


THE  DEMOCRATIC  SCAI’EGOAT 
(The  first  cartoon  in  which  the  face  of  “ lloss  " Tweed  ajipears) 


THE  SF.ro\l>  TWEED  CAHTOON'  IIOI'EMAN  SITS  ON  THE  DAIS,  WITH  SWEENY  AT  HIS  EIGHT  HAND.  HALL,  CONNOI.I.A',  AND 

TWEED  AI!E  I'KOMINENT  AMONG  THE  SUHPOHTEUS,  AS  AKE  JAY  GOULD  AND  “JIM  EISK  ” OE  THE  EHIE  CONTINGENT 
(’I'liis  is  tlir  llrst  cartoon  in  which  all  the  nicmhcrs  of  tin-  King  arc  iilcntifa  d) 


PART  THREE  : THE  REEORMER 


CHAPTER  XIX 


THE  KING  IN  ITS  GLORY 


r 


The  Ring 


"William  Marcy  Tweed,  alias  “ Big  Bill,”  or  “ The 
Boss.” 

Peter  Barr  Sweeny,  also  called  “ Brains  ” and,  dis- 
respectfully, “ Pete.” 

Richard  B.  Connolly,  known  almost  from  childhood 
as  “ Slippery  Dick.” 

A.  Oakey  Hall,  often,  hy  himself,  written  “ 0.  Iv. 
Hall  ”;  and  by  Nast,  “ ().  K.  Hank” 


AVith  the  beginning  of  the  year  1870,  the  government  of  the 
City  of  New  York  was  wholly  in  the  hands  of  the  four  men 
whose  names  and  aliases  are  bracketed  above.  Their  reign  was 
as  absolute  as  if  they  owned  every  street,  public  building  and 
park  of  the  city,  with  most  of  the  inhabitants,  body  and  soul. 

They  did,  as  a matter  of  fact,  own  or  control  ever^"  public  office 
in  New  York  City,  and  a working  majority  in  the  State  Legis- 
lature, while  the  Tammany  governor,  John  T.  Hoffman,  was  a 
mere  figure-head,  elected  and  directed  by  the  Ring. 

Nor  did  the  baleful  influence  of  corruption  end  with  State  and 
city  officials.  Bondholders,  contractors,  merchants,  artisans — 
even  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  philanthropists — were  hood- 
winked, intimidated  or  subsidized  into  aiding  those  gigantic  pil- 
ferings  which  in  a period  of  less  than  thirty  months  defrauded 
the  City  of  New  York  of  a round  thirty  millions  of  dollars. 


THE  lilXG  IX  ITS  GLORY 


141 


emptied  the  treasury  aud  added  more  than  fifty  millions  to  the 
public  debt  which,  iii  the  form  of  taxation,  we  and  the  genera- 
tions to  follow  must  i>ay. 

Considered  in  retrospect  it  would  seem  that  one-half  of  the 
city  had  combined  in  a vast  alliance  to  plunder  the  other  half, 
with  Tweed,  Sweeny,  Connolly  and  Hall  as  captains  of  the 
enterprise. 

It  is  difficult  to  understand  the  moral  and  patriotic  impulses 


metropolitan  daily  press  was  frankly  for  the  municipal  govern- 
ment, while  the  remainder— to  pervert  an  old  line— praised  it  with 
faint  condemnation,  or  remained  silent,  when  silence  was  itself 
akin  to  crime. 

It  seems  hardly  necessary  to  add  that  the  great  jounials  which 
survive  have  changed  completely,  not  only  in  their  management 
and  personnel,  but  most  of  them  in  politics  and  ownership,  since 
that  unhapi)y  period.  It  is  not  conceivable  that  any  respectable 
metropolitan  paper  of  to-day  could  be  bought  or  bulldozed,  or 
would  knowingly  become  a sharer  in  city  plunder,  or  in  any  act 
or  word  abet  a band  of  public  thieves.  It  has  been  said  of  our 
press  that  it  is  less  individual  and  less  vigorous  than  in  those 


of  a community  in  which  such  a 
condition  could  endure.  It  would 
almost  seem  that  some  dire  influ- 
ence of  the  planets  was  operating 
upon  the  lives  and  minds  of  those 
who,  under  normal  conditions, 
would  be  expected  to  represent  and 
to  preserve  the  city’s  moral,  politi- 
cal and  financial  integrity.  As  an 
example  of  the  Ring’s  supremacy, 
one  has  but  to  refer  to  the  files  of 
that  period  to  leam  that,  for  a 
time,  the  great  majority  of  the 


THO.MAS  ^■AST,  ISrl 


142 


THOMAS  NAST 


strenuous  clays,  and  it  may  be  true;  also,  thank  God!  it  is  less 
corruptible. 

But  in  that  evil  hour  the  blight  of  the  Bing  had  extended  to 
every  corner  of  the  city’s  moral  and  intellectual  life.  "When  it 
is  remembered  that  not  onlj"  men  whose  political  and  financial 
ambitions  rendered  them  sensitive  to  its  influence  were  bought 
or  blinded,  but  that  such  a venerable  and  justly  venerated  man 
as  Peter  Cooper  was  for  a time  misled  into  public  support  of 
Tweed  and  his  associates,  it  may  be  conceived  that  the  general 
public  was  hopelessly  confused  as  to  facts  and  principles,  while 
those  whose  clearer  vision  impelled  them  to  reform,  remained  in 
what  seemed  a hopeless  minority. 

Even  Barton,  who  had  himself  assailed  the  city  government,* 
tried  to  dissuade  Xast  from  his  efforts  against  the  Bing,  declar- 
ing that  he  could  never  win  the  fight  and  that  it  was  foolish  and 
C^)uixotic  to  try. 

“ They  will  kill  off  your  work,”  he  said.  “ You  come  out 
once  a week  — they  will  attack  you  daily.  They  will  print  their 
lies  in  large  type,  and  when  any  contradiction  is  necessary  it 
will  be  lost  in  an  ol)SCure  corner.  You  can  never  withstand 
their  assaults,  much  less  hope  to  win.” 

Well,  indeed,  might  Tweed  ask  in  the  first  days  of  exposure, 
“ What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?  ” and  i\Iayor  Hall,  “ Who 
is  going  to  sue?  ” 

The  Bing  itself  was  a curious  assortment  of  incongruous  na- 
tures—its  single  bond  of  unity  being  that  of  sordid  self-interest 
and  gain.  Tweed,  the  leader— supervisor  and  commissioner  of 
public  works,  etc.,  etc.— who  had  l)egun  his  public  career  as 
foreman  of  the  Americus  or  Big  Six  Fire  Company,  was  a coarse 
and  thoroughly  ill-bred  ward  politician,  a former  member  of 

♦“The  Oovernment  of  the  City  of  Xew  York,”  North  American  Review,  186G. 
In  this  article  Parton  statwl  that  the  aldermen,  within  ten  years  (1851  to  1801), 
received  not  less  than  one  million  dollars  in  bribes  for  granting  public  franchises 
— an  aggregate  that  seemed  trivial  enough  in  the  days  of  later  and  larger  enterprises. 


THE  lilXG  IN  ITS  GLORY 


143 


the  “ forty  thieves  ” Board  of  Aldermen  (I860),  a drinking, 
licentious  Falstaff,  with  a faculty  for  making  friends.  Sweeny 
— park  commissioner,  city  chamberlain,  etc.,  etc. — was  a lawyer 
of  education  and  ability,  sombre  and  seclusive— a man  who  loved 
to  control  great  multitudes,  unseen — to  direct  legislation,  unsus- 
pected. Connolly,  controller  of  public  expenditures  (a  bank 
clerk  who  had  early  acquired  the  sobrhiuet  of  “ Slippery  Dick  ”), 
was  a shifty  human  quantity  without  an  honest  l)one  in  his 
body;  while  Mayor  Hall— “ Elegant  Oakey,”  as  they  called  him 


—was  a frequenter  of  clubs,  a beau 

of  fashion,  a wit,  a writer  of  clever 

tales,  a punster,  a versatile  mounte- 

bank,  a lover  of  social  distinction 

and  applause. 

Tweed  was  the  bold  burglar. 

Sweeny  the  dark  plotter,  Connolly 

the  sneak-thief.  Hall  the  dashing 

])andit  of  the  gang.  This  curious  as- 

sembly  constituted  the  great  central 

Eing.  Other  Eings  there  were,  and 

Eings  within  Eings— each  with  its 

. i 

subsidiaries  and  its  go-betweens— l)ut 

GEORGE  JONES,  ISO 

all  tributary  to  the  motley  aggregation  of  four  whose  misdeeds 
have  been  the  one  reason  for  preserving  the  record  of  their  feat- 
ures and  their  lives. 


Their  methods  were  curiously  simple  and  primitive.  There 
were  no  skilful  manipulations  of  figures,  making  detection  diffi- 
cult. There  was  no  need  of  such  a course.  Connolly,  as  Con- 
troller, had  charge  of  the  books,  and  declined  to  show  them. 
"With  his  fellows,  he  also  “ controlled  ” the  courts  and  most  of 
the  bar.  The  ordinary  citizen  with  a desire  to  exercise  his  right 
of  inspection  of  the  city’s  accounts  did  not  fare  well.  Men  with 
claims  against  the  city— Eing  favorites,  most  of  them— were 


144 


THOMAS  HAST 


told  to  multiply  the  amount  of  each  bill  by  five,  or  ten,  or  a hun- 
dred, after  which,  with  Mayor  Hall’s  “ O.  K.”  and  Connolly’s 
indorsement,  it  was  paid  without  question.  The  money  was  not 
handed  to  the  claimant, 
direct,  but  paid  through  a 
go-between,  who  cashed 
the  check,  settled  the  orig- 
inal bill  and  divided  the 
remainder  (usually  sixty- 
five,  sometimes  ninety  per 
cent,  of  the  whole)  be- 
tween Tweed,  Sweeny, 

Connolly  and  Hall- 
Tweed  and  Connolly  get- 
ting twenty-five  per  cent, 
each,  and  Sweeny,  Hall 

THtat  Biixu  Alice  f Sll  how  thkv  Kcn? 

and  the  underlings  the  the  “white-washing  committee”  invited  by 
residue.*  When  the  pub-  controller  to  inspect  his  books 

lie  began  to  gnimble,  as  it  did  at  last,  it  seemed  at  first  no  great 
matter.  A committee  of  six  of  New  York’s  wealthiest  and  most 
influential  citizens  were  invited  to  examine  the  Controller’s 
books.f 

Hall  and  Connolly  picked  these  men,  who  showed  their  ap- 
preciation of  this,  and  of  other  and  more  substantial  favors,  it 


* In  Tweed’s  confession  he  said  that  E.  A.  Woodward,  James  Sweeny  (brother 
to  Peter  B.),  Janies  Watson  and  Hufili  Smith  were  the  King’s  financial  agents.  Also 
that  it  was  first  agreed  that  each  member  of  the  King  should  receive  ten  per  cent, 
of  the  gross  amount  of  the  bills  presented  and  paid.  When  a few  such  bills  had 
been  paid,  Hall  was  informed  that  members  of  the  King  would  have  to  be  content 
with  five  per  cent.,  after  which  the  Mayor  received  only  that  sum.  Woodward  and 
Watson  being  directed  to  pay  Hall  five  per  cent..  Sweeny  ten  per  cent.,  and  to  pay 
Connolly  and  Tweed  each  twenty-five  per  cent.  This  last  arrangement  was  made, 
Tweed  said,  without  the  knowledge  of  Hall  or  Sweeny,  by  which  it  will  be  seen 
that  there  was  not,  in  this  case,  even  the  old  proverbial  “honor  among  thieves.” 
f John  Jacob  Astor,  Moses  Taj’lor,  Marshall  O.  Koberts,  George  K.  Sistare,  E.  D. 
Brown  and  Edward  Schell — afterward  known  as  the  “ white-washing  committee.” 


THE  ItlXG  IX  ITS  GLORY 


145 


may  be,  l)v  a published  “ certificate  of  good  conduct  ” in  which 


they  said: 

We  have  come  to  the  conclusion,  and  certify,  that  the  financial 
affairs  of  the  city,  under  the  charge  of  the  controller,  are  ad- 
ministered in  a correct  and  faithful  manner. 

Certainly  nothing  could  establish  “ Slippery  Dick’s  ” credit 
more  firmly  than  such  a document  as  this,  and  when  we  begin 
to  look  for  explanation  we  cannot  help  noting  the  fact  that  it 
was  not  necessary  in  those  days  for  a millionaiie  to  claim  lesi- 
dence  in  Newport  to  avoid  his  taxes.  The  accommodating  courts 
had  a habit  of  vacating  assessments  for  what,  in  certain  legal 
documents,  is  described  as  “ love  and  affection  ” and  a modest 
“ sum  in  hand,  duly  paid.” 

Then,  when  the  notorious  “ Viaduct  Job  ” came  along  and 
we  find  the  names  of  most  of  these  gentlemen,  as  well  as  those 


of  the  leading  newspaper  owners — associated  with  the  names  of 
Tweed,  Sweeny,  Connolly  and  Hall,  and  some  seventy  other  good 
men  and  true- as  stockholders  and  directors,  we  begin  to  under- 
stand how  the  King,  like  a great 
malignant  cancer,  had  sent  its 
fibrous  growth  through  every  ten- 
don and  tissue  of  the  body  poli- 
tic, to  possess,  to  poison  and  to 
destroy. 

As  we  have  seen,  Thomas  Xast, 
almost  single-handed,  had  been 
assailing  the  corrupt  municipal 
goveniment,  beginning  as  early 
as  1867,  and  dropping  an  occa- 
sional hot  shot  into  the  camp  of 
the  public  enemy,  until  by  the  end 
of  1869  he  had  singled  out  the 
chief  malefactors  for  special  assault.  Once  Manton  Marble, 
of  the  World,  had  lent  a hand  so  far  as  to  declare  of  Tweed, 


LOUIS  JOH.N  JENNINGS 


14G 


THOMAS  NAST 


He  thrives  on  a percentage  of  ])ilfering,  grows  rich  on  dis- 
tributed dividends  of  rascality.  Ilis  extortions  are  boundless  in 
their  sum  as  in  their  iniquity. 

And  just  here,  by  not  standing  firm,  it  would  seem  that  Manton 
INIarlfie  missed  a priceless  opportunity.  Somewhat  later  we  find 
him,  as  champion  of  the  Eing  officials,  announcing. 

There  is  not  another  municipal  government  in  the  world  which 
combines  so  much  character,  capacity,  ex])erience  and  energy  as 
are  to  be  found  in  the  city  government  of  Xew  A"ork,  under  the 

new  charter.  The  ten  most 

capable  men  in  the  National 
Administration  at  AVashington 
would  be  no  match  in  al)ility 
and  sagacity  for  the  best  ten 
in  the  New  York  City  gov- 
ernment, although  General 

Grant  has  the  whole  country 
to  select  from. 

This  from  tlie  AVorld  of  Juno 
13, 1871,  was  written  in  all  seri- 
ousness. Its  flavor  of  humor 

has  been  acquired  with  the 

lapse  of  a generation. 

But  another  champion  of 
good  government  was  ready  to  take  up  arms  where  IMarble 
had  laid  them  down.  There  had  been  a change  of  manage- 
ment in  the  New  York  Times,  which,  with  George  Jones 
at  the  helm  and  Louis  John  Jennings  as  editor,  was  to  become 

a fierce  and  unconqoromising  organ  of  municipal  reform.  Jones 

was  daring  to  the  ]ioint  of  rashness.  Jennings  was  a capable  and 
unyielding  Englishman,  afterwards  a member  of  Parliament. 
The  Times  under  their  direction,  with  Ilaiq-jer’s  Weekly  as 
its  great  pictorial  ally,  prepared  to  engage  in  a mighty  work 
of  destruction,  the  end  of  which  no  man  could  foresee. 

We  may  pause  here  to  consider  briefly  certain  other  matters 
of  this  period.  In  the  issue  of  January"  15,  1870,  appeared  “ A 


THE  lilXG  IX  ITS  GLORY 


147 


Live  Jackass  Kicking:  a Dead  the  “ Jackass  ” being 

the  Copperhead  Press,  and  the  “ Lion  ” Edwin  ]\I.  Stanton, 
who  had  died  on  December  24th  and  whose  memory  had  lieen 
assailed,  even  as  he  lay  in  his  coffin.  The  cartoon  went  to 


the  mark,  hut  is  chiefly  not- 
able now  as  being  the  earliest 
in  which  the  donkey  is  nsed  to 
typify  Democratic  sentiment. 

There  was  not  much  in  the 
way  of  general  politics  in  the 
cartoons  of  that  year.  The 
mntterings  of  war  abroad  and 
the  final  clash  of  arms 
between  France  and  Germany 
resulted  in  a number  of 
rather  liitter  portrayals  of 
Napoleon  III.,  who  had  been 


“ THE  SEAT  OF  WAR.”  NAPOLEON  III.  TRYING 
TO  SE.AT  THE  PRINCE  IMPERI.AL 


148 


THOMAS  XAST 


always  a disturber 
ill  European  affairs 
and  was  now,  as 
usual,  on  the  wrong 
side.  Xast  did  not 
forget  the  French 
Emperor’s  treat- 
ment of  (Jaribaldi 
in  1848,  and  as  the 
Franco  - Prussian 
war  continued,  cari- 
catured that  sover- 
eign in  a manner 
which  was  at  once 
pro])hetic,  severe 
and  just.  Probably 
the  best  of  the  Na- 
poleon cartoons  is 
that  of  “ D e a d 
iNlen’s  Clothes  Soon 
IVear  Out  ” — an  ad- 
aptation of  “ Na- 
poleon T.,  after  AVaterloo  ” — showing  the  defeated  Louis  plunged 
in  despair,  and  clad  in  the  tattered  uniform  of  his  great 
relative. 

The  Chinese  Labor  question  likewise  received  attention,  with 
Nast  as  the  avowed  champion  of  the  abused  and  maligned  Celes- 
tial, while  both  in  the  AVeekly  and  in  the  Bazar  there  were  occa- 
sional moral  and  social  cartoons  which  brought  the  artist  many 
words  of  approval  and  not  a few  of  reproof— among  the  latter 
being  an  open  letter  in  the  Bazar  from  Gail  Hamilton — “ A 
AA'oman  vs.  Afr.  Nast  ” — roundly  scoring  him  for  suggest- 
ing, in  a drawing  entitled  “ The  Lost  Arts,”  that  a woman 


NAPO  LEON 

"dead  MENS  CLOTHES  SOON  WEAR  OUT. ” 


THE  RING  IX  ITS  GLORY 


US 


should  do  her  own  housework  and  not  forget  the  use  ot 
the  needle,  the  stew-pan  and  the  broom.  A ^Memorial  Da\ 
picture  showing  the  Confederate  and  the  Union  graves  being 
decorated  side  by  side,  brought  a protest  from  a Union 
general. 


But  though  fewer  in  the  aggregate  the  Bing  cartoons  were  by 
far  the  most  important  work  of  1870.  The  first  of  these,  pub- 
lished early  in  January,  was  a double  page  entitled  “ Shadows 
of  Coming  Events,”  and  it  stands  to-day  as  a prophecy.  One 
has  but  to  look  it  over  carefully  and  then  follow  the  history  ot 
1870  and  71  to  see  how  clear  and  how  exact  in  detail  was  the 

artist’s  forecast.  At 
the  bottom  of  the 
page  there  is  shown 
a collection  of  little 
statues  of  Tweed. 
Sweeny,  Connolly 
and  Hall,  surround- 
ing the  equestrian 
statue  of  Hoffman, 
and  in  this,  also, 
there  was  a note  of 
prophecy,  for  a peti- 
tion was  circulated 
a year  later  to  erect 
a statue  of  Tweed. 

Xo  lengths  were 
too  great  for  the 
Bing  to  go  to  obtain 
power.  IVitli  no 
sort  of  religion 
among  its  members, 

THROWN  COMPLETELY  INTO  THE  SHADE  it  lured  til 6 gOOd 


150 


THOMAS  NAST 


will  of  the  clergy  with 
gifts  and  concessions — 
most  of  which  went  to  the 
Catholics,  for  the  reason 
that  a large  percentage  of 
the  foreign  immigration — 
an  important  political  fac- 
tor— professed  that  creed. 
The  union  of  Church  and 
State,  and  proselyting  in 
the  public  schools,  were 
favorite  Eing  doctrines 
adopted  to  win  the  alle- 
giance of  Eomanism.  Xast 
political  chicanery.  lie 
was  inspired  by  no  antagonism  to  any  church — indeed  he 
was  always  attracted  by  Catholic  forms  and  ceremonies— 
but  his  unconquerable  aversion  to  anything  that  did  not 
savor  of  complete  religious  as  well  as  political  and  personal 
liberty  resulted  in  cartoons  against  political  Romanism 
that  brought  down  upon  him  bitter  and  furious  denunciations 
and  even  threats  from  the  Catholic  press.  Finally  a bill  was 
presented  to  the  State  Legislature— a Ring  provision  for  a 
school-tax  levy— but  chiefly  prepared  as  an  official  })rotest 
against 

“ an  artist  encouraged  to  send  forth  in  a paper  that  calls  itself 
a ‘ Journal  of  Civilization  ’ pictures  vulgar  and  blasphemous,  for 
the  purpose  of  arousing  the  prejudices  of  the  community  against 
a wrong  which  exists  only  in  their  imagination.” 

Curiously  personal  language,  this  would  seem,  to  be  dignified 
by  embodiment  in  Assembly  Bill  Xo.  IGO,  of  iMarch  31,  1870. 
Probably  no  other  caricaturist  before  or  since  has  achieved  such 
peculiar  official  distinction.  The  bill  was  naturally  supported 


THROWING  DOWN  THE  LADDER  BY  WHICH  THEY 
ROSE 


assailed  fiercely  these  phases  of 


152 


THOMAS  NAST 


by  the  sectarian  press,  which  referred  feelingly  to  the  “ Nast-y 
artist  of  Harper’s  Hell  AVeekly— a Journal  of  Devilization. ” 

It  was  early  in  1870  that  the  New  York  Times  joined  in  the 
fight  against  the  King.  A liepublican  organ,  Tammany  was  a 
natural  enemy  whose  iniquities,  as  well  as  the  personal  deport- 
ment of  Tweed,  had  received  a measure  of  notice.  The  Einir 
proper  was  now  marked  for  special  attack. 

The  paper  began  by  complimenting  the  fearless  and  powerful 
work  of  Nast.  Eeferring  to  his  “ Coming  Events,”  it  said: 

The  sketches  of  New  York  life  under  Democratic  rule  may 
not  be  entirely  welcome  to  Tammany  chiefs,  l)ut  the  great  body 
of  citizens  will  sorrowfully  admit  that  they  are  not  in  the  least 
exaggerated.  Hr.  Nast  ought  to  continue  these  satires  on  local 
and  National  politics. 

Mr.  Nast  did  continue  as  did  the  Times,  also,  and  presently  we 
find  the  latter  boldly  branding  Tweed  and  his  associates  as  com- 
mon thieves. 

Of  course  this  stirred  up  a storm  on  Park  Pow.  The 


SENATOR  TWEED  IN  A NEW  r6lE 

(Tweed  triumphant  is  urged  to  reform.  On  tlie  belt  of  tlie  prostrate  figure  are  the  words  “ O'Brien 

Democracy  ”) 


THE  RING  IX  ITS  GLORY 


153 


“ controlled  ” press 
d e 11  0 n c e (1  the 
Times  and  Harper’s 
'Weekly  as  d i s - 
grnntled  organs,  in- 
spired l)v  nil  worthy 
motives,  and  seek- 
ing to  create  a sen- 
sation. Yet  the  Iiing 
hecaine  a little  un- 
easy, for  it  promptly 
offered  Jones  a mil- 
lion doll  a r s f o r 
silence.  A weekly 
jiaper,  with  only  a 
picture  now  and 
then,  did  not,  as  yet, 
a^ipear  so  danger- 
ous; hut  a daily 
whose  editor  made  a 
lioint  of  branding 
them  every  morning 
— in  capital  letters, 
singly  and  collec- 
tively—as  thieves,  seemed  worth  considering.  Jones  did  not 
take  the  million,  and  the  offer  only  strengthened  his  pur- 
jiose.  Editor  Jennings  double-leaded  his  leaders,  and  Xast 
increased  the  number  and  severity  of  his  jiictures.  Sveen},  who 


{Nast’s  characterization  of  Tammany  before  the  use  of  the 
Tiger  symboi) 


had  been  most  prominent  in  the  earlier  drawings,  gradually 
drop]ied  into  second  jilace  as  Tweed  by  skilful  “ legislation 
secured  a new  city  charter  which  gave  the  Eing  still  more 
absolutelv  power  of  political  life  and  death  over  almost  e\ery 
city  official.  This  was  a complete  triumph  for  the  King  over  an 


154 


THOMAS  NAST 


element  calling  itself  the  Young  Democracy— an  organization 
including  James  O’Brien,  then  sheriff;  Harry  Genet,  John  Mor- 
rissey and  others,  whose  juirpose  had  been  to  undermine  the 
“ Boss’s  ” power.  After  this  the  name  of  Tweed  always  came 
foremost,  while  his  gi’eat  hulking  figure  dominated  the  pictures. 
In  June  a herald  of  Tammany  is  shown  as  having  ascended  to 
the  i^eak  of  a high  mountain,  from  which  he  waves  a hanner  of 
corruption  to  the  world.  The  locks  of  this  handsome  figure 
resemble  boras.  The  cape  on  his  shoulders  is  blown  hack  to 
suggest  diabolical  wings.  It  is  a striking  picture. 

Just  before  the  fall  election  Xast  contributed  two  esi)ecially 
strong  cartoons.  One  of  them  was  entitled  “ The  Power  behind 
the  Throne  ” — the  “ throne  ” being  that  of  Hoffman,  the 
“ power  ” being  the  sword  of  Tweed  and  the  axe  of  headsman 
►Sweeny.  Here  once  more  the  Tiger  symbol  appears,  rather 
more  definitely  this  time — though  still  merely  as  a sign  manual 
— while  the  face  of  Jim  Fisk,  an  associate  and  co-worker,  is 
discovered  in  the  background.  In  the  second  cartoon,  “ Fal- 
staff  ” Tweed  is  reviewing  his  araiy  of  “ repeaters,”  consisting 
of  roughs,  jail-birds  and  tatterdemalions.  Sweeny,  Hall,  Fisk 
and  Gould  are  looking  on,  while  Hoffman  has  dwindled  to  his 
great  chief’s  sword-bearer.  Above  all  is  the  sign  of  “ Tammany 
Inn  ” with  its  Tiger  emblem. 

It  was  a good  fight  that  Jennings  and  Nast  were  making  for 
better  government,  but  the  odds  were  still  too  great.  On  elec- 
tion day  many  respectable  but  timid  voters  remained  within 
doors  while  “ repeaters  ” were  marched  shamelessly  from  one 
polling-place  to  another.  Once  more  the  Ping  was  triumphant, 
and  the  Tiger  banner  was  flaunted  victoriously  in  the  breeze. 

A word  here  about  the  Tiger  emblem.  Originally  the  symbol 
of  the  Americus  or  Big  Six  Fire  Company,  of  which  Tweed  had 
been  foreman,  it  had  been  conferred  upon  Tammany  Hall  at  the 
time  of  his  accession  to  i)Ower.  Xast  at  first  began  using  it  sug- 


156 


THOMAS  NAST 


OUK  MODERN  FALSTAFF  REVIEWING  HIS  ARMY 

Falstaff — My  whole  charge  consists  of  slaves  as  ragged  as  Lazarus,  and  such  as  indeed  were 
never  soldiers,  but  discarded  serving-men  and  revolted  tapsters.  No  eye  hath  seen  such  scarecrows. 
Nay,  and  the  villains  march  wide  between  the  legs,  as  if  they  had  fetters  on;  for,  indeed,  I had  the 
most  of  them  out  of  prison. — Shakespeare  alighily  varied. 

gestively,  in  the  form  of  a special  Tweed  trade-mark  or  coat-of- 
nrms,  identifying  the  Iting  and  Tammany  with  Tweed’s  earlier 
career.  But  there  was  a curious  fitness  in  the  device.  Tammany 
leaders  had  shown  a tendency  toward  greed  and  stripes  ever 
since  'William  IMooney,  called  “ the  founder  of  the  Tammany 
Society,”  as  far  back  as  1809,  had  been  superintendent  of  an 
almshouse  and  defaulted  in  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars,* 
down  through  a long  line  of  ” financiers  ” to  Fernando  "Wood, 
who  escaped  justice  l)y  pleading  the  statute  of  limitation,  and 
Isaac  V.  Fowler,  the  great  Tammany  leader  from  1855  to  1800, 
who  defrauded  the  United  States  Government  of  upwards  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars.f 

♦Record  MS.  minutes  of  tlie  Common  Council,  Vol.  20,  pages  303  and  370-302. 

I It  is  freely  admitted,  of  course,  tliat  Tammany  had  its  period  of  good  govern- 
ment and  courageous  officials.  During  the  corrupt  period  of  the  early  fifties  (’53 
to  ’55)  one  .Tacoh  A.  'Westervelt,  Mayor,  became  known  as  “ Old  Veto,”  because  of 
his  persistent  and  successful  opposition  to  aldennanic  jobs  and  steals,  and  to  police 
“ graft.”  He  was  not  reelected. 


THE  lilNG  IN  ITS  GLORY 


157 


Tweed’s  predecessors,  however,  had  been  hut  petty  thieves, 
hardly  worthy  to  be  classed  with  the  great  sachem.  ]\Iost  of 
them  had  worked  stealthily— stealing  as  the  coyote  and  the 
hyena  steal— avoiding  retribution  by  flight  and  trickery. 
Tweed,  immeasurably  the  boldest,  mightiest  plunderer  of  them 
all,  gloried  in  the  fierce  emblem  of  his  youth,  and  emblazoned 
forever  on  the  Tammany  banner  that  symbol  of  rapacity  and 
strii)es— the  jungle  king. 

The  beginning  of  1871  found  the  King  at  the  apex  of  its 
power.  It  is  true  that  the  blows  already  struck  by  Xast  and 
Jennings  on  the  brazen  gates  of  infamy  had  not  only  attracted 
public  attention  but  in  a measure  had  alarmed  the  marauders 
concealed  behind.  Yet  they  were  in  no  immediate  danger.  So 
securely  intrenched  were  the  offenders  behind  cunningly  devised 
laws,  fraudulent  voting  machinery  and  an  army  of  accomplices, 
composed  of  capitalists,  railway  magnates,  office-holders,  prize- 
fighters, loafers,  convicted  felons  and  a subsidized  press,  that 
even  the  most  ardent  reformers  almost  despaired  of  ever  bring- 
ing them  to  justice.  The  Times  in  an  editorial  of  February  24 
said : 

There  is  absolutely  nothing— nothing  in  the  city  which  is 
beyond  the  reach  of  the  insatiable  gang  who  have  obtained  pos- 
session of  it.  They  can  get  a grand  jury  dismissed  at  any  time, 
and,  as  we  have  seen,  the  Legislature  is  completely  at  their 
disposal. 

The  Ring  had  imperial  power  over  every  public  issue  and 
franchise,  not  only  in  the  city  but  the  State.  The  Erie  Railroad, 
with  Tweed  and  Sweeny  as  directors  and  with  Fisk  and  Gould 
as  its  financiers,  was  simply  a gigantic  highway  of  robbery  and 
disgrace. 

In  the  city,  vast  improvements  were  projected,  some  of 
which  have  since  been  completed  for  the  public  good.  Per- 
haps because  so  little  can  be  set  down  to  the  credit  of  the  Ring,. 


158 


THOMAS  NAST 


the  public  is  inclined  to  be  unduly  grateful  for  these  blessings— 
forgetful  that  they  were  devised  for  no  other  purpose  than  to 
afford  fresh  avenues  for  a plunder  that  grew  ever  more  enor- 
mous as  the  armies  of  the  Eing  increased  and  demanded  ever 

greater  largess  as  the  price  of 
faithfulness  and  silence.  It 
was  this  rapacity  on  the  part 
of  its  followers— those  daugh- 
ters of  the  horse-leech,  with 
their  insatiable  cry  of  “ Give, 
Give! ’’—the  demand  for 
more,  and  yet  more,  that  re- 
sulted at  last  in  the  downfall 
and  demolition  of  the  Ring. 

In  Nast’s  first  shot  of  the 
year  1871,  “ Tweedledee  and 
Sweedledum,  ’ ’ Tweed  and 
Sweenj"  are  shown  as  giving  open-handedly  from  the  public 
treasury  to  the  needier  of  their  followers,  while  they  set  aside 
still  greater  sums  for  their  own  account.  Tweed’s  fifteen- 
thousand-dollar  diamond,  which  has  since  become  historic,  was 
first  depicted  in  this  caricature.  The  picture  was  a small  one, 
hut  it  created  a big  mischief. 

“ That’s  the  last  straw!  ” Tweed  declared  when  he  saw  it. 

“ I’ll  show  them  d d publishers  a new  trick!  ” 

lie  had  already  threatened  IIari)ers  with  an  action  for  libel, 
and  had  prevailed  upon  deluded  Peter  Cooper  to  use  his  influ- 
ence in  behalf  of  the  city  officials. 

He  now  gave  orders  to  his  Board  of  Education  to  reject  all 
Harper  bids  for  school-books,  and  to  throw  out  those  already 
on  hand.  More  than  fifty  thousand  dollars  of  public  property 
was  thus  destroyed,  to  be  replaced  by  books  from  the  New 
York  Printing  Company— a corporation  owned  by  the  Eing. 


THE  RING  IX  ITS  GLORY 


159 


The  Harper  firm  held  a meeting  to  consider  this  serious  blow. 
A majority  of  the  members  would  have  been  willing  to  discon- 
tinue the  warfare  on  so  mighty  an  enemy.  Fletcher  Harper 
never  wavered.  AVhen  at  last  the  argument  became  rather  bit- 
ter, he  took  up  his  hat  and  said: 

“ Gentlemen,  you  know  where  I live.  "When  you  are  ready  to 
continue  the  fight  against  these  scoundrels,  send  for  me.  Mean- 
time, I shall  find  a way  to  continue  it  alone.” 

They  did  not  let  him  go,  and  the  fight  went  on. 

The  widening  and  straightening  of  Broadway  was  to  have 
been  one  of  the  most  profitable  of  Bing  jobs,  but  Auditor  Wat- 
son, who  seems  to  have  had  this  particular  scheme  in  hand,  was 
suddenly  thrown  from  a sleigh  one  night  and  instantly  killed. 

It  was  the  beginning  of  the  Bing’s  bad  luck,  for  the  result 

was  a partial  exposure  of 
the  crookedness  of  the  af- 
fair, and  Tweed  found  it 
necessary  to  hurry  up  to 
Albany  and  pass  a bill  abol- 
ishing the  whole  undertak- 


ing. Xast  cartooned  the 
situation  perfectly.  Then 
came  another  sectarian  car- 
icature which  showed  that 
it  was  not  the  Catholic 
church  alone  that  he  could 
criticise.  In  this  picture 
the  Protestant,  as  well,  is 
shown  with  his  l)asket  laden  with  Bing  favors. 

In  the  next  picture  Tweed  is  declining  the  statue  which,  in  the 
form  of  an  ass’s  head,  Edward  J.  Shandley  is  trying  to  thrust 
upon  him.  It  would  be  sad,  if  it  were  not  humorous,  to  recall 
that  while  the  idea  of  this  statue  was  generally  ridiculed  by  the 


THE  NEW  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION.  SOWING  THE 
SEED,  WITH  AN  EYE  TO  THE  HAKVE.ST 


IGO 


THOMAS  NAST 


Boss  Twked— “To  make  this  look  (ftrm'ght  is  the 
hardest  job  i ever  hud,  'What  made  Watson  go  sleigh- 
riding !” 


THE  KEHEAHSAL 


Shanplky  (as  Piirt)  — “Allow  me  to  iniinortalize 
you,  Boss!” 

Twkkd  (realizing  his  par/)  -“I  most  emphatically 
and  decidedly  object  to  it.  I am  not  deticleiit  in 
common-sense.” 


press,  one  of  tlie  foremost  journals  of  Xew  York  City  boasted 
that  it  had  been  first  to  propose  this  honor,  and  upon  the 
“ Boss’s  ” I’efusal  of  it,  commented  editorially: 

His  (Tweed’s)  modesty  shrinks  from  so  substantial  a testi- 
monial as  the  erection  of  a statue  while  he  is  still  living?.  We 
think  Mr.  Tweed  has  acted  hastily.  Tie  need  not  have  been 
ashamed  of  such  a compliment,  nor  need  he  fear  it  because  it  is 
a novelty.  . . . Is  it  too  late  to  realize  so  worthy  and  so  e.x- 

cellent  an  idea  ? * 

Tweed  as  Louis  Xapoleon  living  TToffman,  the  Prince  Im- 
perial, his  “ Ba])tism  of  Fire,”  the  shells  of  reform  bursting 
around  them,  came  next,  and  May  Gth  the  “ Political  Leper 
the  Kepublican  legislator  who  has  sold  himself  to  the  Bing. 

The  Times  meaiiwhile  had  been  hurling  its  fierce  denuncia- 
tions almost  daily  into  the  Bing  stronghold,  and  the  pul)lic  was 
beginning  to  be  aroused.  The  paper  had  no  absolute  proof  as 
yet,  but  with  the  courage  of  its  convictions  it  did  not  hesitate 
to  brand  Tweed,  Sweeny,  Connolly  and  Hall  as  embezzlers  and 
thieves.  It  is  a sorrowful  spectacle  to  find  most  of  the  great 

♦The  Sun,  ^larch  1 and  15,  1871. 


THE  RING  IN  ITS  GLORY 


ICl 


papers  of  that  day  either  openly  and  fiercely  abusing  Xast  and 
Jennings  for  their  vigorous  campaign  or  at  most  expressing  but 
lukewarm  commendation.  A number  of  them  sought  to  divert 
public  attention  from  the  sins  of  the  King  by  assailing  Grant, 
whose  distribution  of  offices  did  not  please  a majority  of  the 
New  York  Press.* 

Horace  Greeley  was  in  a difficult  position.  His  ambition  to 
become  President  was  already  formed,  yet  as  a Republican  he 
was  still  supposed  to  support  Grant.  Furthermore,  if  the  Ring 
was  a bad  thing,  and  it  seemed  likely  that  this  was  true,  he  felt 

♦As  an  example  of  the  general  attitude  of  the  New  York  papers  (both  city  and 
State)  at  this  period,  and  to  show  how  dillieult  it  was  to  make  headway  against  the 
almost  universal  domination  of  the  King,  the  following  brief  extracts  from  three 
foremost  journals  are  given.  It  must  be  remembered  that  at  this  period  these  papers 
were  either  Democratic  or  at  least  opposed  to  the  National  Administration.  Also 
that  they  were  in  no  sense  the  papers  bearing  the  same  titles  to-day.  New  owner- 
ships, new  policies  and  new  principles  have  given  us  new  journals  in  everything  but 
name. 

From  the  New  York  Evening  Post,  March  10,  1871,  editorial  entitled  “ Hash”: 

The  Times  and  Harper’s  Weekly,  as  administration  organs  looking  to  the  next 
Presidential  election  and  not  to  the  good  government  of  the  city  of  New  York,  im- 
agine they  can  help  the  Kc])ublican  party  by  the  outcries  they  raise.  “ The  Even- 
ing Post  "condemns  the  administration  of  President  Grant,  and  ]>raises  that  of  the 
King  of  the  city  of  New  York,”  says  Harper’s  Weekly,  and  shows  us  the  motive  of 
its  own  abuse  and  misrepresentations.  We  do  not  condemn  one  or  praise  the  other. 
If  we  were  dishonest  or  disingenuous  partisans  we  should  probably  do  as  the  Times 
and  Harper’s  Wceklj'  do,  and  our  praise  and  our  blame  would  presently  count  for 
no  more  than  theirs  with  honest  and  intelligent  men.  (It  should  be  added  that  the 
Post  had  vigorously  condemned  the  idea  of  a statue  of  Tweed  as  well  as  the  “ Boss  ” 
himself,  personally.) 

From  the  New  York  Sun,  February  3 and  4,  1871 : 

The  decline  of  the  New  York  Times  in  everything  that  entitles  a paper  to  re- 
spect and  contidence  has  been  rapid  and  complete.  Its  present  editor,  who  was  dis- 
missed from  the  London  Times  for  improper  conduct  and  untruthful  writing,  has 
sunk  into  a tedious  monotony  of  slander,  disregard  of  truth  and  blackguard  vitupera- 
tion. . . . Let  the  Times  change  its  course,  send  off  Jennings  and  get  some  gen- 

tleman and  scholar  in  his  place,  and  become  again  an  able  and  high-toned  paper. 
Thus  may  it  escape  from  niin.  Otherwise  it  is  doomed. 

From  the  New  York  Herald,  July  4,  1871,  editorial  entitled  “Humbug  Reformers”: 

Every  now  and  then  there  springs  up,  like  mushrooms  in  a night,  a crop  of 
municipal  reformers  who  assail  the  authorities  with  might  and  main,  until  obliged 
to  desist  from  sheer  exhaustion,  or  other  causes  which  are  not  at  all  difficult  to 
explain.  These  humbug  reformers  are  organized  bands  of  uneasy  people  who  have 
been  left  out  in  the  cold  in  the  matter  of  some  fat  contract  or  other — that  of  the 
city  printing  and  advertising  being  not  the  least  of  the  causes  that  arouse  their 
holy  indignation.  It  is  with  the  intention  of  having  their  silence  purchased  by  what 
they  call  the  “ King  ” that  all  this  parade  of  alleged  extravagance,  over-taxation 
and  fraud  is  made. 


11 


1G2 


THOMAS  NAST 


that  he  ought  to  aid  in  its  punishment.  Still,  there  was  always 
the  chance  that  the  Eing  might  be  better  than  it  seemed,  at  least 
sections  of  it,  and  these  sections  might  unite  and  control  national 
Democracy  in  1872.  To  be  sure  Mr.  Greeley  was  not  a Demo- 
crat, though  as  surety  for  Jefferson  Davis  he  had  invited  the 
friendship  of  the  “ Solid  South,”  and  held  out  the  hand  of  wel- 
come across  the  bloody  chasm. 
If,  therefore,  it  should  happen 
that  the  Eepuhlican  party  should 
conclude  to  renominate  Grant,  it 
was  just  possible  that  the  many 
and  various  elements  remaining 
might  unite  on  Mr.  Greeley,  and 
of  these  elements  Tammany  was 
certain  to  be  one.  The  Tribune 
criticised  the  Eing  in  a manner 
which,  under  the  circumstances, 
doubtless  seemed  sufficiently 
severe.  Yet  gentleness  had  never  been  regarded  as  one  of  ^Ir. 
Greeley’s  editorial  weaknesses.  “ Liar  ” was  his  most  frequent 
and  favorite  epithet,  and  his  vocabulary  was  not  lacking  in 
special  terms  of  severity.  To  have  led  in  a great  reform  and 
denounced  a corrupt  gang  as  “ thieves  ” and  “ villains  ” would 
ordinarily  have  given  joy  to  Mr.  Greeley’s  heart.  It  seems,  there- 
fore, fair  to  assume  that,  while  he  was  never  in  league  with  the 
Eing,  he  was  unconsciously  influenced  by  his  ambition  to  become 
the  choice  of  a great  nation.  It  was  clearly  a mistake,  however, 
for  him  to  have  become  at  this  i)articular  time  the  chair- 
man of  what  was  organized  as  the  ” Tammany  Eepuhlican  Gen- 
eral Committee,”  or  of  any  other  committee  that  exhibited  the 
word  Tammany  in  its  title.  A Tammany  Eepuhlican  is  a some- 
what difficult  species  to  define,  even  in  this  day  of  new  enlight- 
enment, and  Mr.  Greeley,  who  was  not  supposed  to  be  lacking 


THE  CHAP  THAT  CLOSES  MANY  A GOOD 
ESTABLISHMENT 


THE  Iliya  IX  ITS  GLORY  1G3 

in  political  acumen,  must  have  been  blinded  indeed  by  his  desire 
for  preferment  to  have  linked  himself  then  with  an  element 
that  assumed  the  meaningless  title  as  a flimsy  concealment  of 
double-dealing  and  Jting  servitude. 

The  writer  has  thus  considered  at  some  length  what  would 
seem  to  have  been  i\lr.  Greeley’s  personal  attitude  at  this  time, 
for  the  reason  that  the  great  editor  himself  was  very  soon  to 
become  a target  for  pictorial  satire.  It  would  be  injustice  not 
to  add  that  whatever  his  utterances  may  have  lacked  in  vigor 
and  epithet,  they  were  delivered  on  the  side  of  reform,  and  i\lr. 
Greeley’s  i)ai)er,  the  Tribune,  was  first  to  join  Harper’s  Weekly 
and  the  Times  in  the  crusade  against  the  King. 

And  the  crusade  was  making  headway.  Sections  of  a hitherto 
inanimate  iniblic  spirit  were  aroused  to  a semblance  of  life  and 
resistance.  On  Ai)ril  4th  a meeting  was  held  at  the  Cooper 
Union  to  protest  against  a legislative  bill  which  would  give  to 
the  King  still  further  emoluments  and  powers.  This  meeting 


“MOVE  ON!” 

HAS  THK  KATIVK  AMERICAS*  S’O  RIGHTS  THAT  THE  KATCRAUZED  A.MERICAN  IS  BOUND  TO  RESPECT! 
THE  OTHER  NATIONALITIES  MAY  VOTE,  BUT  NOT  THE  ORIGINAL  AMERICAN 


104 


THOMAS  XAST 


■\vas  called  to  order  by  AVilliaiii  K.  Dodge,  while  'William  F. 
Havemeyer  presided.  Among  the  speakers  was  Henry  AVard 
Beecher,  also  Senator  Kvarts,  who  declared  that  it  was  no  longer 

a pride  to  he  a New  A'orker, 
l)nt  a disgrace,  if  New  York- 
ers could  not  save  themselves 
from  infamy. 

It  would  seem  that  many 
leading  New  Yorkers  did  not 
wish  to  “ save  themselves 
from  infamy.”  Tweed  and 
his  friends  circulated  a peti- 
tion for  the  passing  of  the  hill 
and  readily  obtained  the  sig- 
natures of  more  than  three 
hundred  citizens  of  the  very  first  rank— at  least  so  far  as  wealth 
and  public  influence  were  concerned.*  Tweed  could  well  afford 
to  ask  of  the  reformers  “ AVhat  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?  ” 
and  Nast’s  picture  of  the  giant  thumb  of  the  “ Boss  ” pressing 
hard  on  Alanhattan  Island  exactly  expressed  the  condition  which 
hispired  that  famous  line. 

Indeed  it  looked  as  if  the  public  would  he  able  to  do  very  little. 
“ It  will  all  blow  over,”  said  Hall.  “ These  gusts  of  reform  are 
all  wind  and  clatter.  Next  year  we  shall  he  in  AVashington.” 

Hall’s  remark  about  AVashington  was  based  on  the  fact  that 
at  this  particular  time  Governor  Hoffman  was  the  Tammany 
Hall  candidate  for  the  Presidency,  and  was  thought  to  have  a 
comparatively  clear  field.  Nast’s  cartoon  of  June  17th  shows 
Hoffman  as  the  Tammany  AVooden  Indian  on  wheels  being 

* Ix)oked  at  in  tlie  present  liglit  one  must  believe  that  men  of  the  highest  re- 
spectability then  allowed  their  names  to  be  used,  provided  they  would  be  permitted 
to  share  profits,  and  that  the  press,  which  should  have  been  guardian  of  the  people’s 
interests,  oi)enly  stistained  the  general  degradation  of  the  times. — “ New  York  in 
llondage,”  by  Hon.  John  D.  Townsend. 


UNOXUt  TBE  TBUMB 

The  Boss— “ Well,  what  are  you  to  do  about  it  f ” 


THE  RING  IN  ITS  GLORY 


165 


pushed  and  pulled  toward  the  AVhite  House  by  the  Erie  and 
Tweed  combination. 

The  King  made  a fatal  mistake  at  this  point.  It  would  far 
better  have  let  national  affairs  alone.  Samuel  J.  Tilden,  one  of 
the  shrewdest  politicians  of  that  period — skilled  at  intrigue,  re- 
lentless in  action  and  an  excellent  hater— had  presidential  am- 
bitions of  his  own.  It  was  poor  policy  on  the  part  of  the  King  to 
push  Hoffman  in  his  way. 

Tilden  had  been  counsel  for  the  Erie  directors  when  Tweed  and 
Sweeny  were  on  that  hoard,  and  knev  them  intimately.  Also,  as 
chairman  of  the  Democratic  State  Committee,  in  1868,  he  had 
been  hand  and  glove  with  Tweed  and  his  followers  throughout 
that  notorious  campaign.  Tilden  therefore  had  an  intimate 
knowledge  of  the  King  and  its  methods.  He  knew,  too,  by  signs 
in  the  sky  that  the  stonn,  which  would  7iot  “ blow  over,”  was 
getting  ready  to  l)reak.  AVisely  and  furtively  he  laid  his  plans, 
and  i)atiently  waited  the  hour  when  undeniable  proof  of  the 
King’s  guilt  and  public  indignation  should  make  its  downfall 
sure.  I'hen  he  would  l)e  ready  to  strike  home. 


“some  ake  houn  gheat;  some  achieve 

GREATNESS.” 

Hoffman  - “ It  will  be  very  ilimciilt  to  sit  on  both  of 
those  Stoois  at  once.  You  know  the  IToverb,  Boss  f 
Boss  TwF.F.n  — **  If  you  were  blessed  with  iny  Figure, 
you  could  inanat?**  it.” 


CHAPTER  XX 

THE  PKOOFS  OF  OUILT 

It  was  James  O’Brien,  a close  political  friend  of  Tilden  and 
sheriff  under  the  Ring,  who  secured  the  proofs  which  resulted  in 
its  fall.  The  writer  has  never  seen  any  statement  connecting  Mr. 
Tilden  with  the  incei)tion  of  O’Jirien’s  sclieme  for  destroying 
the  Ring,  but  in  the  light  of  collected  facts  it  seems  fair  to 
credit  the  shrewder  man — the  man  with  the  greater  motive — 
with  the  origin  of  the  idea. 

The  Ring  was  no  longer  usefnl  to  Tilden,  but,  as  we  have 
seen,  had  become  a bar  to  his  political  progress.  It  was  greatly 
to  his  interest  that  it  should  be  destroyed.  If  he  could  acquire 
credit  in  its  destruction,  so  much  the  Ijetter.  O’Brien  too  had 
ambitions  of  his  own  and  old  scores  to  wipe  out.  There  could 
be  no  closer  political  bedfellows  at  this  ])articular  time  than 
these  two  men,  and  Tilden  had  jnst  the  sort  of  genius  to  con- 
ceive the  plan;  while  O’Brien,  who  was  still  in  the  Ring’s  favor, 
was  the  man  to  execute  it.  O’Brien  himself,  in  a published  inter- 
view, has  admitted  that  Tilden  was  present  during  a conference 
with  George  Jones,  of  the  Times,  when  Jones  was  urged  by 
Tilden  to  make  the  most  of  the  evidence  m his  hands. 

Concerning  O’Brien’s  enmity  to  the  Ring,  Tweed  in  his  con- 
fession, long  afterward,  testified  that  it  began  when  Coimolly  for 
some  reason  refused  to  allow  one  of  the  sheriff’s  exorbitant  hills. 


THE  PROOFS  OF  GUILT 


167 


O’Brien,  so  far  as  the  writer  can  learn,  has  never  clearly  ex- 
plained the  inner  facts  of  his  defection.  At  all  events  there  was 
no  open  break  in  the  spring  of  1871,*  when  Connolly  and 
O’Brien  still  professed  mutual  friendship. 

One  nioniing  O’Brien  called  at  the  Controller’s  office  and 
asked  that  an  employee  be  removed  and  that  a friend  of  his— 
one  'William  Copeland— be  appointed  to  fill  the  place.  O’Brien 
assured  Connolly  that  Copeland  was  “ all  right  ” and  “ safe.” 

Connolly  was  in  a dire  state.  He  was  ecjually  afraid  to  grant 
or  to  refuse  O’Brien’s  request.  Perspiration  streamed  down  the 
fat  face  of  ” Slippery  Dick  ” and  he  looked  pale  and  old. 
I'lventually  he  consented,  and  Copeland  was  installed.  No  sooner 
was  he  at  the  books  than,  by  O’Brien’s  orders,  he  began  to  make 
a transcript  of  the  items  of  the  King’s  frightful  and  fraudulent 
disbursements,  mainly  charged  as  expenditures  on  tbe  court- 
house, then  building.  He  worked  fast  and  overtime  to  get  these, 
and  within  a brief  period  the  evidence  of  a guilt  so  vast  as  to 
be  almost  incredible  was  in  O’Brien’s  hands.  Another  man,  one 
Matthew  O’Kourke,  in  a similar  manner  had  been  installed  as 
county  bookkeeper,  and  in  this  position  had  also  fortified  him- 
self with  proofs  of  enormous  frauds,  chiefly  in  connection  with 
armory  rents  and  repairs.  O’Kourke  had  been  a military  editor 
and  was  especially  fitted  for  this  job. 

It  was  afterward  testified  that  O’Brien  used  the  Copeland 
documents  to  extort  money  from  the  King.  O’Brien,  on  the 
other  hand,  has  declared  that  he  immediately  took  them  to  the 
leading  papers  of  New  York  City  and  that,  until  he  reached  the 
Times,  not  one  was  to  be  found  who  would  touch  them.  That 
O’Kourke  has  recorded  a similar  experience,  would  seem  to 
verify  O’Brien’s  claims.  'Whatever  may  be  the  facts  in  the  case, 
ihe  reports  did  not  reach  the  Times  until  July. 

Louis  John  Jennings,  who,  as  we  have  noted,  had  maintained 

* It  has  been  claimed  that  this  occurred  in  1870.  O’Brien  has  given  it  as  above. 


1G8 


THOMAS  NAST 


au  unceasing  warfare,  was  one  night  sitting  in  his  office,  wonder- 
ing what  move  he  could  make  next.  Over  and  over  he  had 
branded  Tweed  and  his  associates  as  criminals,  pointing  out  the 
frauds  that  must  exist,  daring  the  Eing  to  produce  the  city  ac- 
counts. His  life  had  been  threatened,  and  more  than  once  he  had 
been  arrested  on  tnmiped-up  charges.  Like  Nast,  he  had  been 
accused  of  almost  every  crime  in  the  calendar,*  and  once  a 
“ tough  citizen  ” had  suddenly  entered  the  sanctum  with  the 
information  that  he  had  come  to  “ cut  his  heart  out.”  The  dis- 
turber had  been  promptly  kicked  into  the  street,  but  the  experi- 
ence had  been  far  from  pleasant.  Pondering  as  to  the  possibili- 
ties, and  the  probable  rewards,  of  xVmerican  reform,  the  sturdy 
Englishman  began  writing,  when  the  door  suddenly  opened,  and 
James  0’P)rien  entered. 

The  men  were  known  to  each  other  and  O’Brien  remarked  that 
it  was  a warm  evening. 

“ Yes,  hot,”  assented  Jennings. 

“ You  and  Nast  have  had  a hard  fight,”  continued  O’Brien. 

“ Have  still,”  nodded  .Jennings  rather  wearily. 

“ I said  you  have  had  it,”  repeated  O’Brien,  and  lie  pulled 
a roll  of  papers  from  an  inner  pocket.  “ Here  are  the  proofs 
of  all  your  charges— exact  transcri})tions  from  Dick  Connolly’s 
books.  The  boys  will  likely  try  to  murder  you  when  they  know 
you’ve  got  ’em,  just  as  they’ve  tried  to  murder  me.”  + 

Jennings  seized  the  precious  roll  and  sat  up  till  daylight, 
studying  it  all  out.  It  was  only  a day  or  two  later  that  O’ltourke 
came  in  with  the  added  documents,  and  was  engaged  by  the 
Times  to  assist  in  making  the  great  attack. 

♦ Among  other  things,  Niist  was  charged  with  liaving  fled  from  Germany  to 
avoid  military  service.  The  reader  will  remember  that  he  was  six  years  old  when 
he  reached  .America.  It  is  a curious  fact  that  this  battle  for  .American  reform 
should  have  been  conducted  by  two  foreign-born  men,  .Tennings  and  Xast — one  of 
England,  the  other  of  llavaria. 

f Interview  with  Louis  John  Jennings,  AI.  P. — London  World,  1887. 


THE  OLOUIOUR  FOT'UTII 


Mcbl  Md  MDbk  «an>r  (ApotoM*-]  Te  ooc*  Bort 
Han  tbif  !•  tk*  n*MU  «<  iket*  wbo 

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THC  CCHriALl  ^ ICOVCRUMENT 


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OfMOCHATlC 

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®‘*^A.PitA«0*T»a 


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it. 


Honest  = KULER  SI 


[ifiipoa*  t*  rMonlaf  »k*  ^ U»  I* 

c W kfc«  akall  h*  tlwlf  tk  w«pcopaM|» 


r i 


ia«.  atMACIf  l»CT«H«D(  lh«  watCat*  Md  of 

alC  IApNaaae.1  1 weald  ba  elaaaad  and  bappr  lo 
ulb  ail  da;  to  pod,  bal  > aa  to  w loUoaad  bp  apaah- 


pollUcB  Ihalr  Mddp.  aod  ] praawoa 
. -raid  ba  BMb  brttoa  plaott^  w baar 
That  batac  <ba  caad.  lo  <ba  oaaa  o( 


ADDEESS  OF  GItANU  SACHEM  TWEED  AT  THE  TAJIMANY  WIG'WAM 
(Illustrated  by  Nast) 


iro 


THOMAS  NAST 


Immediately  it  became  known  to  the  Ring  that  the  proofs  of 
its  guilt  were  in  possession  of  the  Times,  and  an  effort  was  made 
to  buy  them.  A carefully  verified  report  of  this  attempt  was 
published  in  Harper’s  Weekly  for  Felnaiary  22,  1890: 

A tenant  in  the  same  building  (the  Times  building)  sent  for 
i\lr.  Jones  to  come  to  his  office,  as  he  wished  to  see  him  on  an 
important  matter.  Mr.  Jones  went  to  the  lawyer’s  office,  and, 
being  ushered  into  a private  room,  was  confronted  by  Controller 
Connolly. 

“ I don’t  want  to  see  this  man,”  said  Mr.  Jones,  and  he 
turned  to  go. 

” For  God’s  sake!  ” exclaimed  Connolly,  “ let  me  say  one 
word  to  you.” 

At  this  appeal  Mr.  Jones  stopped.  Connolly  then  made  him 
a proposition  to  forego  the  imblication  of  the  documents  he  had 
in  his  possession  and  offered  him  the  enormous  sum  of  five  mil- 
lion dollars  to  do  this.  As  Connolly  waited  for  the  answer,  Mr. 
Jones  said: 

” I don’t  think  the  devil  will  ever  make  a higher  bid  for  me 
than  that.” 

Connolly  began  to  plead,  and  drew  a graphic  picture  of  what 
one  could  do  with  five  million  dollars.  He  ended  by  saying: 

” Why,  with  that  sum  you  can  go  to  Europe  and  live  like  a 
prince.  ’ ’ 

“ Yes,”  said  Mr.  Jones,  “ but  I should  know  that  I was  a 
rascal.  I cannot  consider  your  offer  or  any  offer  not  to  publish 
the  facts  in  my  possession.” 

On  July  8 was  published  the  first  instalment  of  those  terrible 
figures  that,  having  once  been  made  to  lie,  now  turned  to  cry 
out  the  damning  truth  in  bold  black  type — black  indeed  to  the 
startled  members  of  the  King. 

The  sensation  was  immediate.  The  figures  showed  that  an 
enormous  outlay  had  been  charged  as  “ armory  rents  and  re- 
pairs ” which  never  could  have  been  legitimately  expended. 
Ten  lofts,  mostly  over  old  stables,  had  been  rented  at  a cost  of 
.$85,000,  and  though  these  lofts  had  not  been  used,  an  additional’ 
$463,064  had  been  charged  for  keeping  them  in  repair.  Ten 
other  armories  had  been  kept  in  repair  for  a period  of  nine 


THE  PROOFS  OF  GUILT 


171 


months  at  the  trifling  cost  to  the  county  of  $941,453.86.  The 
upper  floor  of  Tammany  Hall,  worth  at  that  time  about  $4,000 
a year,  was 
charged  in  the  list 
at  nine  times  that 
sum.  The  Times 
asserted  the  abso- 
lute truth  of  tliese 
figures,  and  boldly 
called  on  the  offi- 
cials to  disprove 
them  by  producing 
their  books. 


The  liing 


stag- 


CROwmc^ 


Trtt 


gered  and  began  to 
dread  a break  on 
the  part  of  its  con- 
stituents. “ Never 
mind,”  said  Hall. 

“ AVho  is  going  to 
prosecute?  ” But, 
behold,  on  July  12 
c a me  a n o t h e r 
stroke  of  ill-for-  *■' 
tune— a bloody  riot 
caused  by  the  Orangemen’s  parade.  The  iMayor  had  for- 


M  Cft^t 

‘n**-*n  c»»o<T*Nr:  /3^ir<C>it/C  »»»  7W///C 

THE  TAMMAXY  LORDS  AND  THEIR  CONSTITUENTS 


bidden  the  parade,  at  the  behest  of  the  ITibeniian  Society, 
and  public  indignation  had  flamed  up  at  this  blow  to  Amer- 
ican liberties.  Leading  papers  that  had  hitherto  supported 
the  Ring  seized  upon  the  flayer’s  edict  as  an  excuse  for 
rushing  to  cover — fiercely  denouncing  Hall.  Even  Governor 
Hoft’man  rescinded  the  ^layor’s  order,  though  at  the  eleventh 
hour,  promising  protection  to  the  little  band  of  Protestant  Irish. 


17^ 


THOMAS  XAST 


It  was  too  late,  however,  to  avoid  bloodshed.  The  Hibernians, 
encouraged  by  Mayor  Hall’s  attitude,  declared  for  open  warfare 
if  the  Orangemen  paraded,  with  general  destruction  to  Protes- 
tant sympathizers,  adding  a special  threat  against  the  house  of 
Harper  Brothers  for  its  publication  of  the  cartoons  of  Xast. 
The  Govenior’s  belated  order  had  no  effect.  The  waming  and 
admonition  of  priest  and  bishop  went  unheeded.  The  spirit 
of  sixty-three  was  abroad.  The  mob  was  ripe  for  bloodshed, 
and  the  l)urning  and  sacking  of  stores. 

It  proved  a brief  and  sanguinary  episode.  f)n  Eighth  Avenue, 
from  Twenty-third  to  Twenty-ninth  Streets,  the  assault  on  the 
paraders  took  place.  The  military,  which  had  been  called  out 
to  escort  the  Orangemen,  did  not  immediately  open  fire,  and  the 
rioters  now  boldly  appeared  from  all  sides  discharging  fire-arms 
and  missiles  of  every  sort  at  the  procession.  A woman  who 
waved  a handkerchief  to  the  Orangemen  was  instantly  killed.  A 
little  girl  by  her  side  shared  the  same  fate.  Then  a private  was 
shot  down,  and  then,  a moment  later,  the  military  opened  fire 
on  the  mob. 

The  crowd  of  ruffians  who  had  made  up  their  minds  that  the 
soldiers  would  not  shoot,  broke  wildly  and  fled,  leaving  almost 
a hundred  dead  and  wounded  behind.  The  riot  was  over.  The 
prompt  and  severe  military  punishment  had  avoided  a repeti- 
tion of  the  Draft  Biot  scenes  of  1863.  Xast,  marching  with  his 
regiment,  had  seen  the  fulfilment  of  a prophecy  in  “ Shadows 
of  Coming  Events,”  })ublished  more  than  a year  before. 

A letter  to  Xast  from  General  Alfred  Pleasanton  conceniing 
the  riot  seems  interesting  in  the  view  it  gives  us  of  this  gallant 
officer’s  theory  of  handling  mobs. 

'Washington,  July  16,  1871. 

i\Iy  Dear  Xast: 

Many  thanks  for  your  kind  remembrance  in  Han)er  of  last 
week.  I fear  you  have  given  me  an  impossible  task — to  teach 
'I’amniany  arithmetic.  Subtracting  and  dividing  are  the  only 


THE  ritOOFS  OF  GUILT 


173 


rules  they  practise,  and  the  decimal  point  they  disregard  alto- 
gether.* 

That  was  a good  lesson  you  gave  them  on  the  12th,  but  it 
was  only  a beginning.  You  handled  them  with  gloves  on.  Fight- 
ing a niob  reipiires  different  tactics  from  those  used  in  fighting 

in  the  field.  , • n ^ 

In  street  fighting,  every  house  from  which  a shot  is  fired 
should  be  gutted,  and  no  one  in  the  house  should  escape.  Had 
the  troops  taken  jiossession  of  the  houses  from  which  shots  were 
fired  on  the  12th  and  shot  every  man  in  them,  you  would  have 
struck  terror  into  the  mob  and  they  would  have  dispersed  dis- 
heartened. 

The  next  time  they  will  have  more  experienced  leaders  and 
will  not  commit  the  same  mistakes.  Kemember  what  I tell  you 
—you  must  terrorize  a mob  to  subdue  //—simply  killing  them 
does  not  answer  the  purpose.  The  survivors  only  run  away  to 
return  with  more  exiierience.  This  thing  will  be  repeated  some 
day,  when  I hope  to  see  it  properly  handled.  I will  tell  you 
how  when  we  meet.  Acce])t  my  congratulations  at  your  going 
through  it  safe  and  sound,  and  believe  me. 

Your  sincere  friend, 

A.  Pleasanton. 

The  riot  was  a hard  blow  to  the  Ping.  The  public  in  general 
denounced  Hall  and  his  associates,  according  them  full  blame 
for  the  city’s  disgrace  and  sorrow.  Also,  the  Times  each  day 
boldly  emblazoned  in  its  edito- 
rial page  in  big  black  figures 
the  added  proofs  of  the  be- 
trayal of  public  trust.  ]\Ieu 
and  papers  who  had  stood  by  the 
municii^al  govennnent  showed 
signs  of  desertion.  There  was 
wavering  in  the  ranks.  At  any 
moment  it  might  become  a stam- 
pede. The  tenure  of  Fraud  had 
become  a precarious  thing. 

♦ See  page  1G9,  top  of  col.  four. 


ClIAPTEK  XXI 

THE  KIN(i’s  BATTLE  FOB  LIFE 

The  excitement  over  the  armory  exposures  was  as  nothing  in 
comparison  with  the  upheaval  that  took  place  on  publication  of 
the  Copeland  transcript  of  the  Controller’s  accounts,  the  first 
of  which  appeared  as  a special  sheet  in  the  Times  of  .Tuly  22, 
1871. 

These  figures,  carefully  tabulated  and  printed  in  full  clear 
type,  showed  at  a glance  where  millions  upon  millions  of  dollars 
had  been  paid  from  the  public  treasury,  with  no  return  to  the 
city,  worth  counting. 

]\Iany  of  the  great  sums  had  been  charged  as  repairs  or  furnish- 
ings for  the  new  court-house,  and  most  of  them  had  been  dis- 
tributed through  such  “ contractors  ” as  J.  H.  Ingersoll  & Com- 
pany, Andrew  J.  Carvey,  Keysei’  & Company  and  others,  who 
had  “ arranged  ” whatever  small  part  was  really  due  for  goods 
and  labor,  and  deposited  the  huge  balance  to  the  credit  of  the 
various  members  and  associates  of  the  Ring. 

The  new  court-house  was  still  far  from  complete,  and  miser- 
ably funiished,  yet  it  had  already  resulted  in  the  neat  outlay  of 
$11,000,000,  when  the  most  liberal  estimate  placed  its  value, 
finished  and  luxuriously  furnished,  at  less  than  three  millions. 


THE  lilXG’S  BATTLE  EOR  LITE 


llO 


A few  items  will  be  sufficient  to  show  the  scale  upon  which  the 
King  had  conducted  its  financial  policy: 

Forty  old  chairs  and  three  tables  had  a record  value  of 
$179,729.00. 

A charge  for  repairing  fixtures,  through  J.  H.  Keyser  & 
Comi)any,  was  $1,149,874.50. 

Thermometers,  $7,500. 

Another  charge  for  furniture,  through  Ingersoll  & Company, 
$240,504.63. 

City  and  Count}'  Advertising — j)aid  to  the  newspapers  of  Xew 
York  City,  $2,703,308.48— a large  i)roportion  of  this  vast  sum 
having  been  ])aid  in  the  early  months  of  1871.* 

A single  item  of  stationery  was  set  down  at  $180,495.01 . YTiat, 
in  heaven’s  name,  could  the  .01  have  paid  for  with  stationery 
bought  at  King  rates?  Possibly  it  represented  the  actual  cost  of 
the  entire  outlay. 

Then  there  were  carpets,  shades  and  curtains,  also  supplied 
by  that  marvellous  finn,  Ingersoll  & Company,  at  the  fairly  com- 
fortable figure  of  $075,534.44.  AVhy  always  these  odd  cents?  It 
must  have  been  worrisome  to  make  change  in  those  days  of  oi)u- 
lence.  But  one  cannot  hel})  admiring  the  two  liverymen  who  in 
a few  brief  days  earned  nearly  fifty  thousand  dollars  by  su})- 
plying  the  aldermen  with  carriages,  mostly  for  funerals.  That 
must  have  been  a busy  season  for  aldennen,  keeping  u])  with 
all  those  obsequies.  Nor  must  we  overlook  one  G.  S.  Miller,  a 
carpenter  who  was  set  down  as  having  received  $300,747.01  (an- 
other .61— fatal  sum)  for  one  month’s  work.  “ Is  not,”  asks  the 
Times,  “ this  IMiller  the  luckiest  carpenter  alive?  ” 

But  Garvey,  Andrew  J.  Garvey,  the  plasterer!  Generations 
of  i)lasterers  yet  unborn  will  take  off  their  hats  to  his  memory! 
$2,870,404.06  had  he  earned  at  his  humble  trade  in  the  brief 

* The  entire  amount  disbursed  by  the  King  during  a period  of  about  thirty 
months  for  public  advertising  and  printing  was  .$7,168,212.23 — the  greater  part  of 
wliieh  was  paid  to  the  New  York  Printing  Companj’,  owned  by  the  Ring. 


17G 


THOMAS  NAST 


]ieriod  of  nine  months.  Fifty  thousand  dollars  a day  was  his 
record  for  an  entire  month!  Surely  never  was  a month  so  well 
plastered  as  that  long-ago  June!  “ As  G.  S.  Miller  is  the  luck- 
iest carpenter  alive,”  comments  the  Times,  “so  is  Andrew  J. 
Garvey  the  Prince  of  Plasterers,  His  good  fortune  surpasses 
anything  recorded  in  the  Arabian  Nights,  A plasterer  who  can 
earn  $138,187  in  two  days  (December  20  and  21),  and  that  in 
the  depths  of  winter,  need  never  be  poor.  AVith  a total  of 
$2,870,464.06  for  the  job,  he  could  afford  to  donate  the  .06  to 
charity.” 

It  is  unnecessary  to  go  further  into  the  details  of  this  monster 
and  monstrous  fraud,  $5,663,246.83  of  which  had  been  paid 
through  the  single  “ finn  ” of  Ingersoll  & Company.  An  illus- 
trated pamphlet  poem,  “ The  House  That  Tweed  Built,”  dis- 
tributed by  the  American  News  Company,  contained  this  stanza, 
which  we  may  add  as  a final  touch: 

“ This  is  Boss  Tweed 
- Nast’s  man  with  the  Brains. 

The  Tammany  Atlas  who  all  sustains, 

(A  Tammany  Sani})son,  ])erhaps,  for  his  pains) 

AVho  rules  the  city  where  Oakey  reigns, 

The  master  of  "Woodward  and  Ingersoll, 

And  all  the  gang  of  the  city  roll. 

And  fonnerly  lord  of  ‘ Slippery  Dick  ’ 

"Who  Controlled  the  plastering  laid  on  so  thick. 

By  the  controller’s  plasterer,  Garvey  by  name. 

The  Garvey  Avhose  fame  is  the  little  Game 
Of  laying  on  ])laster  and  knowing  the  trick 
Of  charging  as  if  he  himself  were  a brick 
Of  the  well-i)lastered  house  that  TWEED  built.” 

As  heretofore  stated,  during  thirty  months  of  Bing  rule,  thirty 
millions  of  dollars  had  been  stolen  out  of  hand.  The  city  debt 
had  increased  more  than  fifty  millions  and  was  doubling  every 
two  years.  No  wonder  the  shores  of  Long  Island  Sound  were 
lined  with  the  elegant  homes  of  the  city  contractors  and  finan- 
ciers. Matthew  J.  O’Bourke,  who  since  that  time  has  made  a 


THE  RIXG’E  BATTLE  FOR  LIFE 


1T7 


careful  study  of  the  city’s  finances,  states  that  counting  the  vast 
issues  of  fraudulent  bonds,  the  swindling  of -the  city  by  the 
wealthy  tax  dodgers,  by  franchises  and  favors  granted,  by  black- 
mail and  extortion— the  total  amount  of  the  city’s  loss  through 
the  Tweed  King  stands  at 
not  less  than  Two  Hun- 
dred Millions  of  Dollars.* 

And  now  there  was  in- 
deed excitement. 

The  public  was  up  in 
arms,  and  the  papers — 
with  the  exception  of 
such  organs  as  the  Leader 
and  the  Star,  established 
and  sup])orted  by  the  Ring 
— were  either  breaking 
for  cover  or  preparing  to 
do  so  by  maintaining  a 
discreet  silence  until  the 
Times ’s  exposures  could  be  verified.  It  is  true,  they  were  in- 
clined to  display  the  resentment  that  comes  of  defeat  and  to 
belittle  the  achievement  of  the  rival  paper.  One  leading  journal 
made  the  rather  remarkable  claim  that  the  Times  exposure  was 
an  old  story,  so  far  as  it  was  concenied,  though  it  failed  to 
explain  why  it  had  remained  the  ally  of  corruption,  and  why 
it  still,  though  rather  feebly,  to  be  sure,  defended  the  Ring  from 
the  vengeance  of  an  outraged  public. 

The  Tribune  suggested  that,  if  the  Ring  was  not  guilty  as 
charged,  it  should  i)roceed  to  establish  its  innocence  by  suing 
the  Times  for  criminal  libel.  This  suggestion  the  Times  eagerly 
welcomed,  as  it  would  have  forced  the  city  accounts  into  court. 
It  even  dared  the  Ring  to  sue.  It  called  upon  Connolly,  Sweeny 

* Xew  York  TTorald.  .Tanuary  13,  1901. 


THE  “ nn.\.iNS 


(This  remarkable  rharacterization  of  “Boss  Tweed”  is 
probably  the  best  known  of  Nast’s  caricatures) 


12 


178 


THOMAS  NAST 


and  Hall  to  produce  the  Controller’s  books  and  prove  its  i3ub- 
lished  statements  false. 

Tweed  was  not  at  first  assailed.  O’Brien  bad  stipulated  that 
“ The  Boss,”  who  bad  remained  bis  friend,  sbould  be  given  a 
cbance  to  resign  bis  office  and  make  public  acknowledgment  of 
bis  own  account.  It  is  perhaps  to  Tweed’s  credit  that  be  refused 
to  desert  bis  fellows  and  took  bis  punisbment  witli  tlie  others. 
Possibly  be  believed  that,  with  a share  of  the  press  still  faithful, 
and  with  a powerful  constituency,  the  public,  after  all,  could 
really  do  nothing  about  it— that  nobody  would  sue— that  the 
storm  would  ” blow  over.” 

As  for  Thomas  Nast,  be  was  now  in  bis  glory.  His  long  beat- 
ing at  the  gates  of  brass  bad  finally  aroused  the  whole  city- 
even  the  nation  itself  to  arms!  This  was  just  the  sort  of  a savage 
conflict  for  justice  that  always  filled  bis  veins  with  fire,  and  made 
bis  pencil  more  to  be  dreaded  than  the  most  ghastly  engine  of 
war. 

He  bad  already  humorously  illustrated  Tweed’s  Fourth  of 
July  oration,  before  the  first  of  the  Times  disclosures,  and  had 
depicted  Connolly’s  “ 'Whitewashing  Committee  ” as  blind  mice 
whose  tails  bad  been  amputated  by  the  Times ’s  sharp  editorials. 
Then  when  the  riot  bad  occurred  be  bad  contributed  a double- 
page which  bad  brought  down  upon  him  the  fiercest  threats  and 
denunciations  of  the  Hibeniian  organs,  and  be  bad  followed  it 
with  a caricature  of  Hall  as  the  “ Sick  ^[are  ” in  the  Tammany 
stall.  A little  later  a small  cartoon  showed  Horace  Greeley 
weeping  over  the  “ ISfare,”  in  whom,  it  may  be  said  here,  the 
great  editor  never  entirely  lost  confidence.  In  this  picture  Con- 
nolly is  fanning  “ IMare  ” Hall  with  a “ ten  thousand  dollar 
city-fan,”  while  Tweed  and  Sweeny  are  furtively  looking  on. 
“ Not  a Bailable  Case,”  is  the  title  of  the  picture,  and  under- 
neath is  an  extract  from  the  Tribune  of  July  21— the  day  before 
the  great  exposure  of  the  Controller’s  accounts.  The  extract  em- 


THE  ItlXG’E  BATTLE  FOR  LIFE 


179 


bodies  i\Ir.  (Jreeley’s  explanation  of  his  hitherto  temperate  style 
of  attack  upon  the  ring.  It  i>roved  an  nnfortunate  utterance,  for 
the  reason  that,  as  a rule,  i\lr.  (ireeley’s  lack  of  temperate  expres- 
sion was  one  of  his  most  distinguished  characteristics. 

J>ut  this  cartoon  was  of  slight  importance  as  compared  with 
the  one  that  followed,  this  being  no  less  than  the  now  famous 
page,  the  lower  half  of  which,  “ "Who  Stole  the  People’s 
Money!  ” has  been  so  often  reproduced.  In  the  ui)per  picture 
Greeley  again  ai>pears,  asking  “ AVho  is  Ingersoll’s  Company?  ” 
and  Tweed  and  his  numberless  cohorts  are  there  as  a reply.  In 
the  lower  j)icture  the  King  and  its  friends  are  formed  in  a cir- 
cle, pointing  accusingly,  one  to  the  other,  as  an  answer  to  the 
Times ’s  j)ertinent  (piestion,  ‘‘  "Who  Stole  the  People’s  Money?  ” 

“ You  have  never  done  anything  more  trenchantly  witty  than 
the  ‘ Co.’  of  Ingersoll,”  wrote  Curtis,  “ and  the  ‘ ’Twas  Him!  ’ 
]My  wife  and  I laughed  continuously  over  them.  They  are  pro- 
digiously good.” 

It  is  believed  that  this  page,  and  the  certainty  of  others  of 
its  kind  to  follow,  did  more  to  terrify  the  Ring  than  any  previous 
attack. 

“ Let’s  stop  them  d— d pictures,”  proposed  Tweed  when  he 
saw  it.  “I  don’t  care  so  much  what  the  papers  write  about  me 
—my  constituents  can’t  read;  but,  d— n it,  they  can  see  pic- 
tures!” 

Threatening  letters  were  received  by  Xast,  one  containing  his 
own  picture  with  a thread,  as  a rope,  about  his  neck.  Also,  the 
family  began  to  notice  rough  characters  loitering  about  the  home 
]u*emises.  Put  for  the  personal  friendship  of  Police  Captain  Ira 
Garland,  it  is  not  unlikely  that  an  attack  would  have  been  made 
on  the  artist  of  reform.  Garland  was  promptly  removed  from 
that  precinct,  but  Nast,  owing  to  a malarial  epidemic  then  preva- 
lent in  Harlem,  somewhat  later  decided  to  remove  his  family  to 
Morristown  for  a brief  period  of  change.  Xast  himself  was 


“■WHO  15  )HQ£1^S0LL'5  CO?« 


N.y.  tribune. 


JV^^lHct^soLi..‘>i.i.«v  /tf  TO  /RjRORwcr  rovTe/wf  (oj 


TV/0  GK£AT  ^ 


"who  STOtE  THE  fEOPtrS  MONET  ? - DO  TfLL  . ny-timcs. 


'TWA5 


THE  RIXG’S  BATTLE  EOR  LIFE 


181 


troubled  with  a serious  throat  affection  at  this  time,  and 
the  higher  altitude  of  the  Jersey  hills  proved  generally  bene- 
ficial, though  he  returned  to  work  each  day  in  the  Harlem 
studio. 

The  King  now  resorted  to  new  tactics.  They  determined  to 
buy  where  they  could  not  intimidate.  xV  lawyer  friend  one  day 
intimated  to  Xast  that,  in  appreciation  of  his  great  efforts,  a 
party  of  rich  men  wished  to  send  him  abroad,  and  give  him  a 
chance  to  study  art  under  the  world’s  masters.  The  friend  was 
probably  innocent  enough — an  unconscious  tool  of  the  King. 

Xast  said  very  little  except  that  he  ap})reciated  the  offer  and 
would  be  delighted  to  go,  but  for  the  fact  that  he  had  important 
business,  just  then,  in  Xew  York.  He  fancied  that  he  detected 
the  far,  faint  odor  of  a mouse  under  the  idea,  but  he  did  not 
mention  this  to  his  friend.  On  the  following  Sunday  an  officer 
of  the  Broadway  Bank,  where  the  Bing  kept  its  accounts,  called 
on  Xast  at  his  home.  He  talked  of  a number  of  things.  Then 
he  said; 

“ I hear  you  have  been  made  an  offer  to  go  abroad  for  art 
study.  ’ ’ 

“ Yes,”  nodded  Xast,  ” but  I can’t  go.  I haven’t  time.” 

“ But  they  will  pay  you  for  your  time.  1 have  reason  to 
believe  you  could  get  a hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  trij^.” 

“ Do  you  think  I could  get  two  hundred  thousand?  ” 

“ "\Yell,  possibly.  I believe  from  what  I have  heard  in  the 
bank  that  you  might  get  it.  You  have  a great  talent;  but  you 
need  study  and  you  need  rest.  Besides,  this  Bing  business  will 
get  you  into  trouble.  They  own  all  the  judges  and  jurors  and 
can  get  you  locked  up  for  libel.  My  advice  is  to  take  the  money 
and  get  away.” 

Xast  looked  out  into  the  street,  and  perhaps  wondered  what 
two  hundred  thousand  dollars  would  do  for  him.  It  would  pay 
the  mortgage  on  the  house  in  the  city.  It  would  give  him  years 


182 


THOMAS  NAST 


of  stud)’  abroad.  ]t 
would  make  liiiii 
comfortable  for  life. 
Presently  be  said; 

“ Don’t  you  think 
I could  get  five  hun- 
dred thousand  to 
make  that  trip!  ” 
The  hank  official 
scarcely  hesitated. 

“ You  can.  You 
can  get  five  liundred 
thousand  dollars  in 
gold  to  dro])  this 
King  l)usiness  and 
get  out  of  the  coun- 
try.” 

Xast  laughed  a 
little.  IT  e h a (1 
played  the  game  far 
enough. 

“ Well,  T don’t 
think  I’ll  do  it,”  he  said.  ” I made  up  my  mind  not  long  ago  to 
put  some  of  those  fellows  behind  the  bars,  and  T m (/ohu/  to 
put  them  there  ! ” 

The  hanker  rose,  rather  quietly. 

“ Only  he  careful,  ]\Ir.  Xast,  that  you  do  not  first  put  your- 
self in  a coffin!  ” he  smiled. 

It  was  not  until  two  years  later  that  he  met  Xast  one  day  on 
P>roadway. 

‘‘  ]\ly  God,  Xast!  ” he  said;  “ you  did  it,  after  all!  ” 


RCTAI  U. 


CIIAPTEK  XXII 


THE  COLLAPSE  OF  THE  HIXG 


On  July  15  Har- 
per’s "Weekly  liad 
published  a portrait 
and  biographical 
sketch  of  Mr.  Jen- 
nings, showing  his 
highly  successful 
career  in  various 
London  editorial 
positions  and  estab- 
lishing liis  absolute 
reliability,  clean 
record  and  ca])ahil- 
ities  beyond  ques- 
tion. On  August 
2G  it  republished 
the  full-page  por- 
trait of  Xast  and 
referred  to  him  as 
the  “ most  cor- 
dially hated  man 
in  X”  e w Y o r k— 
hated  h y m e n 
whose  friendship 


XAST’s  selection  FOH  a TWEED  NATIONAL  TICKET  AND 
C.A.BINET 


184 


THOMAS  NAST 


would  be  a dishonor.”  Farther  along  it  added,  ” II is  inventive 
powers  seem  to  be  inexhaustible.” 

Of  his  pictures  it  said,  ” Ilis  caricatures  of  Tweed,  Sweeney, 
Connolly  and  Hall  are  admirable  in  their  grotesque  fidelity. 
Each  one  is  so  marked  that  if  you  catch  only  the  glimpse  of  an 
eye-glass,  the  tip  of  a nose  or  a straggly  bit  of  hair,  you  recog- 
nize it.”  Of  the  King’s  effort  to  suppress  him:  ” Believing  that 
‘ every  man  has  his  price  ’ they  have  tried  to  buy  him  off.  To 
their  astonishment  they  found  they  were  dealing  with  a man  who 
was  not  for  sale.  Then  they  tried  the  efficiency  of  threats.  Let- 
ters of  the  most  violent  character  have  poured  in  upon  him  . . . 
threatening  violence  and  even  death.  . . . The  pages  of  this 
paper  show  and  will  continue  to  show  that  threats  are  quite  as 
impotent  as  bribes  with  Air.  Xast.” 

And  in  good  sooth,  now,  did  the  thunderbolts  l)egin  to  fall. 
In  the  issue  containing  the  above-mentioned  sketch,  the  King 
and  its  accomplices  were  caricatured  as  the  ” cut  and  dried  ” 
national  ticket  and  Cabinet  for  1872.  On  September  2,  the  King 
is  shown  at  one  of  its  i)alatial  resorts,  driidcing  and  feasting, 
while  their  poorer  constituents  in  New  York  City  are  starving. 
x\  little  later  a similar  idea  was  used  to  show  the  ” wholesale  ” 
thieves  walking  out  of  the  city  treasury  unscathed,  while  the 
beggar  is  arrested  and  beaten  for  stealing  a loaf  of  bread. 

Hall,  still  jaunty  and  defiant,  meeting  Nast  on  the  street  one 
day,  said: 

” I have  seen  your  ‘ handwriting  on  the  wall,’  of  late.” 

“ You  will  see  more  of  it,  presently,”  answered  Xast,  without 
pausing. 

Tweed,  who  had  earlier  declared  his  intention  of  horse-whip- 
ping X^ast  on  sight,  one  morning,  driving  in  Central  Park,  met 
him  face  to  face.  The  artist  smiled  and  tip]ied  his  hat  jauntily 
as  was  his  wont.  The  “ Boss  ” forgot  his  threat  and  returned 
the  salutation. 


A GROUP  OF  VULTURES  WAITING  FOR  THE  STORM  TO  “BLOW  OVER.” — “LET  US  PREY” 


ISO 


THOMAS  NAST 


And  each  week  the  “ handwriting  ” l)ecaine  more  telling — 
more  terrible  in  its  clear  statement  of  fact.  There  was  to  he 
an  election  in  Noveml)er,  and  it  must  be  with  wide-open  eyes 
that  the  i)ublic  should  render  judgment. 

The  King  was  thoroughly  frightened  at  last.  Connolly  gave 
out  inexplicable  statements  of  his  accounts,  and  Hall  published 
in  his  imper — the  Leader — incoherent  denials  of  his  responsi- 
bility, and  explanations  that  did  not  explain.  The  guilty  ones 
were  grabbing  wildly  at  straws,  and  were  presently  reduced  to 
an  unverified  statement,  made  through  the  Star,  that  they  were 
“ high-toned  gentlemen  of  probity,  and  of  honor— sensitive  to 
the  stigma  upon  their  party  and  anxious  to  redeem  it  from  its 
peril.”  They  added  that  the}'  were  “ representative  men  of  the 
city  a remark  that  at  least  savored  of  fact. 

It  was  all  no  use.  “ High-toned  gentlemen  ” were  going  at  a 
discount.  Ring  supporters  were  making  a grand  rush  for  safety, 
trampling  their  former  benefactor  in  the  mad  stampede.  'When 
the  citizens  “ Committee  of  Seventy  ” was  appointed  to  inves- 
tigate, the  Mayor,  with  Tweed  and  Sweeny,  decided  to  make  a 
scapegoat  of  “ Slippery  Dick,”  and  asked  that  an  examination 
be  made  of  the  Controller’s  books. 

The  ” Booth  Committee,”  consisting  of  eight  ]>rivate  citizens, 
four  aldermen  and  one  supervisor,  with  AVilliam  A.  Booth  as 
chairman,  was  appointed  for  this  pui*|)ose,  Sei)tember  (1.  On 
the  following  day,  .Judge  George  S.  Barnard,  formerly  an 
associate  of  the  King,  granted  an  injunction  restraining  Tweed 
and  his  associates  from  further  levies  or  use  of  public  funds. 
This  was  a serious  blow.  Following  Baniard’s  exami)le,  recruits, 
by  the  wholesale  were  now  added  to  the  ranks  of  reform.  The 
German  Democrats  repudiated  the  King,  and  Nast’s  cartoon 
shows  the  doomed  four  l)eing  flung  bodily  from  the  good  ship 
“ Geimania.”  “ A Group  of  Vultures  "Waiting  for  the  Storm 
to  ‘ Blow  Over,’  ” in  the  same  issue,  was  one  of  the  surest  hits 
of  the  cam])aign. 


THE  COLLAPSE  OF  THE  RING 


187 


On  Saturday,  September  9,  the  Booth  Committee  asked  Con- 
troller Connolly  to  produce  certain  vouchers  on  the  following 
Tuesday.  Curiously  enough,  before  ]\Ionday  morning  these  very 
vouchers  disappeared  from  the  Controller’s  office.  Somebody 
with  a diamond  had  cut  a hole  in  the  window,  large  enough  to 
admit  a man’s  arm.  By  this  means  the  window  had  been  unfast- 
ened and  the  intruder  had  been  able  to  enter  and  select  the  very 


"we  know  nothing  about*'"*" 
THE  STOLEN  VOUCHERS: 


t'WEARE  INNOCENT.” 


188 


THOMAS  XAST 


vouchers  demanded  by  the  Booth  Committee  for  beginning  the 
examination. 

It  seemed  a remarkable  coincidence,  and  the  general  opinion 
expressed  when  Connolly  and  his  friends  protested  their  inno- 
cence was  that  the  device  was  “ too  thin,”  a title  adopted  by  Xast 
for  a cartoon  that  was  afterward  used  as  an  election  document, 
distributed  by  the  thousand. 

Wild  Oats,  a small  illustrated  paper,  published  an  adaptation 
of  this  cartoon,  entitled  ” Too  Thick,”  showing  the  Bing,  fat- 
tened with  plunder,  handcuffed  together,  and  in  stripes.  It  has 
been  stated  that  Xast  was  first  to  depict  the  Eing  in  stripes; 
but  the  credit  is  due,  not  to  the  great  master  of  caricature,  but 
to  one  of  his  countless  followers,  C.  Howard.  The  sale  of  Wild 
Oats  was  forbidden  on  the  news-stands  by  Mayor  Hall  under 
penalty  of  revoked  licenses,  and  a similar  edict  was  prepared 
against  IIar]>er’s  Weekly,  but  never  enforced. 

!Mayor  Hall  now  made  a ludicrous  show  of  virtue,  demanding 
Connolly’s  resignation  for  gross  negligence  in  allowing  his  office 
to  be  robbed.  Connolly  replied  in  effect  that  Hall  was  as  much 
implicated  as  he  was,  and  declined  to  abdicate.  On  September 
13  there  was  almost  a riot  in  front  of  his  office,  caused  by  the 
unpaid  city  workmen  demanding  their  wages,  which,  because 
of  Barnard’s  injunction,  Connolly  could  not  distribute.  Men 
grew  savage  and  endeavored  to  force  an  entrance. 

“ Bring  out  ‘ Slipi)ery  Dick,’  ” they  called;  ” we’ll  make  him 
sign  the  rolls.” 

Connolly  in  an  interview  with  his  friends  was  advised  to  quit 
the  country  without  more  ado.  Instead,  he  took  legal  counsel  of 
Samuel  J.  Tilden,  who  had  thus  far  shown  but  a general  interest 
in  the  movement  for  reform. 

This  was  pure  luck  for  Tilden— a play  directly  into  his  hand. 
His  advice  was  that  Connolly,  under  promise  of  protection, 
should  resign  in  favor  of  Andrew  H.  Green — a man  in  whom 


THE  COLLAPSE  OF  THE  RING 


180 


£KPTr  10  THE  ■WOK.KPEEM 

WHY  IS  THE  TKEASURY  EMPTY? 

0-0»«M  «»a  iW  -Bm  "iMk  KO?(C  HIUJOB  HF  DnUAIU«aN> 
toMii*.  HILLIOXS  • X.  .«U..  «.l  (M  ^ un. 

DOWN  with  the  CITI  THIEVES.  VOTE  the  REFORM  TICKET. 

(This  picture  and  the  printing  below  it  show  the  use  made  of  the  cartoons  as  campaign  documents) 

the  public  liad  the  utmost  confidence,  and  a business  friend  of 
Tilden.  This  Connolly  did,  and  took  heart. 

The  remainder  of  the  Ring  was  now  in  a bad  way.  Under 
the  leadership  of  Hall,  they  endeavored  to  stir  up  a riot  among 
the  unpaid  street  and  park  laborers.  Such  journals  as  were  left 
to  them  declared  that  there  should  be  a great  meeting  at  the 
Fifty-ninth  Street  park  entrance,  and  that,  failing  to  get  their 
money,  the  mob  should  proceed  to  the  homes  of  the  villains  who 
had  brought  about  this  state  of  affairs— said  villains  being  the 
leaders  in  the  refonn  crusade,  whose  names  and  addresses  were 
carefully  given — and  “ pull  their  houses  down  about  their 
ears.” 

But  the  riot  did  not  come  off.  The  laborers  were  beginning 
to  understand  who  were  the  villains  that  had  emptied  the  pub- 
lic treasury,  and  to  make  this  truth  still  more  clear  Nast  gave 


THE  fOUR  MA5TE.KS  TKAT  EMPTIED  IT. 


190 


THOMAS  NAST 


the  public  a cartoon  entitled  “ The  City  Treasury— Empty  to 
the  'Workmen,  and  the  Four  i\[asters  who  Emptied  it.” 

Thousands  of  workmen  who  did  not  read  the  daily  papers 
could  understand  that  picture  at  a glance,  and  it  was  conspicu- 
ously displayed  on  the  stands.  Later  it  was  included  in  a cam- 
paign pamphlet  and  scattered  broadcast.  In  another  cartoon 
Nast  summed  up  the  Eing’s  attempt  to  retain  power  through 
concessions  to  the  Church  in  the  “ American  Eiver  Ganges  ” 
which  stands  to-day  as  the  most  terrible  arraignment  of  secta- 
rianism in  the  public  schools,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  power- 
ful pictures  that  Thomas  Nast  ever  drew. 

“ The  Only  Way  to  Get  Our  Tammany  Eulers  on  the  Scjuare,” 
the  “ Square  ” being  that  of  a carpenter,  set  up  as  a gallows 
with  a noose  at  the  end,  and  “ Honest  Democracy  Kicking  Mayor 
Hall  into  Space  ” were  two  smaller  cartoons  in  the  same  issue. 

The  shots  were  dropping  thickly  now,  and  the  withering  fire 
laid  waste  the  ranks  of  infamy.  Every  respectable  journal  in 
New  York  was  in  line  at  last,  and  every  organization  was  crying 
“ thief.”  Even  the  “ 'W.  M.  Tweed  ” Association  denounced 
the  corruption  of  the  city  officials,  while  the  officials  themselves 
were  chiefly  engaged  in  recriminations  against  one  another.  It 
was  clearly  a case  of  “ Stop  Thief!  ”,  and  Nast’s  cartoon  of  that 
title,  published  October  7,  so  exactly  portrays  the  situation, 
and  is  withal  so  full  of  spirit  and  action  that  one  feels  impelled 
to  join  in  the  mad  race  and  to  take  up  the  accusing  cry. 

Yet  in  the  obscure  Land  of  Politics  Tweed  himself  was  still  a 
power.  At  the  State  convention  held  at  Eochester  he  was  com- 
plete master.  ]\[r.  Tilden  did,  in  fact,  make  a show  of  dissent, 
but  was  scornfully  rebuked,  and,  realizing  that  the  time  was  not 
ripe  for  his  denouements  instantly  succumbed.  In  the  '\Yeekly 
for  October  1,  Nast  shows  the  “ Brains  ” of  the  Eochester 
convention— that  now  famous  picture  of  Tweed  with  a money 
bag  for  a head,  and  no  features  save  those  expressed  by  the 


CAN'C.rS 


192 


THOMAS  NAST 


dollar  mark.  The  same  issue  contained  “ The  Mayor’s  Grand 
Jury  ’’—twelve  pictures  of  the  Mayor  himself— and  that  fearful 
front  page— the  King  in  the  shadow  of  the  gallows— Tweed 
lifting  his  hat,  and  the  others  cringing  cravenly  at  sight  of 
‘‘  The  only  thing  they  respect  or  fear.” 

It  is  doubtful  if  caricature  in  any  nation  had  ever  approached 
in  public  importance  such  work  as  this.  Certainly  America  had 
never  seen  its  like.  The  crushing  of  the  King  had  become  a 
national  issue  and,  next  to  Grant  himself,  Thomas  Xast,  as  leader 
of  the  greatest  refonn  movement  Xew  York  City  had  ever 
known,  had  become  the  conspicuous  national  figure.  Carlyle 
once  said:  “ He  that  would  move  and  convince  others  must  first 
be  moved  and  convinced  himself.”  Thomas  Xast  had  long  been 
moved  and  convinced  in  his  crusade  against  the  King.  Xow  in 
a perfect  frenzy  of  battle  he  had  risen  to  achievements  of  attack 
and  slaughter  hitherto  undreamed. 

And  just  here  came  Samuel  J.  Tilden’s  great  moment  of  en- 
trance. His  appearance  on  the  stage  was  as  dramatic  as  it 
was  effective.  It  was  the  moment  in  the  melodrama  when  the 
avenger  rushes  from  the  wings,  holding  high  the  damning  proof 
that  makes  conviction  sure. 

The  Booth  Committee  was  ready  to  make  its  report.  Through 
Andrew  II.  Green,  Mr.  Tilden  knew  precisely  what  that  report 
would  be.  Two  or  three  days  previous  he  “ happened  causually,” 
as  he  says  in  his  affidavit,  to  drop  into  l\Ir.  Green’s  office,  and 
was  there  shown  some  startling  figures  from  the  books  of  the 
Broadway  Bank.  Traced  through  the  bank’s  entries,  these 
figures  showed  just  how  an  account  against  the  city— a 
sum  of  $6,312,641.37 — had  netted  a clear  profit  of  $6,095,309.17 
to  Tweed  and  his  friends^  and  just  in  what  measure  the  transac- 
tion had  been  arranged.  AVhy  the  bank  had  not  rendered  so 
important  a public  service  before,  does  not  matter  now.  Xeither 
does  it  matter  why  Mr.  Tilden,  who  later  acknowledged  that  he 


I 


13 


Thief!’  too,  joined  in  the  pursuit  like  Good  n«.”— “ Puvt»  Twist." 


194 


THOMAS  NAST 


knew  as  far  back  as  1869  that  the  Ring  “ was  opposed  to  all 
good  government,”  should  have  waited  until  this  particular  and 
supreme  instant  for  strenuous  action.  It  is  enough  that  it 
was  the  supreme  instant,  and  with  his  affidavit  and  the  clear 
and  full  statement  of  the  Broadway  Bank,  iMr.  Tilden  strode 

into  the  lime-light,  and  the 
Public  rose  up  in  a concord  of 
cheers  and  commendation.  Til- 
den in  that  moment  must  have 
believed  that  the  greatest  gift 
of  the  American  people  would 
be  his  reward. 

On  the  next  day  the  report 
of  the  Booth  Committee  re- 
moved the  last  breath  of 
doubt.  On  that  day  IVilliam 

THE  BOSS  STILL  HAS  THE  HEINS  :\farcy  Twood  wus  aiTostod, 

and,  though  released  on  a million  dollar  bond,  supplied  by 
Jay  Gould  and  others,  that  first  arrest  marked  the  beginning 
of  the  end.  Samuel  J.  Tilden,  like  an  avenging  angel,  with 
all  the  skill  and  knowledge  and  ambition  of  his  kind,  had 
linked  his  legal  acumen  with  the  brilliant  daring  of  the  Times 
and  the  relentless  genius  of  Nast!  The  glory  of  dishonor  was 
waning  dim.  In  its  declining  day,  long  shadows  of  sombre 
prison  walls  reached  out  to  enclose  the  Ring. 

Yet  perhaps  hope  was  not  wholly  dead.  In  the  issue  of  the 
"Weekly  prior  to  election  week  there  was  but  one  small  cartoon, 
and  this  represented  Tweed  still  holding  the  Democratic  reins. 
It  may  be  the  Ring  gleaned  a grain  of  comfort  from  this  con- 
fession of  the  “ Boss’s  ” strength,  and  believed  it  to  be  the  last 
small  shot  of  battle.  Little  did  they  guess  that  with  the  next 
number— issued  two  days  before  the  election— Thomas  Xast 
would  fling  into  their  midst  a pictorial  projectile  so  terrific  in 


THE  COLLAPSE  OF  THE  RING 


195 


its  power,  so  far-reacliing  in  its  results,  that  Ring  rule  and 
plunder  the  world  over  shall  never  cease  to  hear  the  echo  of  its 
fall. 

It  was  a great  double  page  of  that  Coliseum  at  Rome  which 
the  young  (larihaldian  had  paused  to  sketch  on  his  way  out  of 


THE  ONLY  THING  THEY  RESPECT  OR  FEAR 

**  We  presume  it  is  strictly  correct  to  say  that  the  one  consequence  of  thievinjr  which  they  would  now  dread  is  a 
Tiolent  death.  I^ihlic  scorn,  or  even  the  penitentiary,  has  little  terrors  for  them.” 

“ We  do  not  know  how  the  atfair  mav  end.  hut  we  do  know  that  if  they  close  their  careers  in  peace,  and  ease,  and 
affluence,  it  will  be  a terrible  blow  to  political  and  private  morality.”— T/ie  Nation. 


196 


THOMAS  XAST 


Italy.  Seated  in  the  imperial  enclosure,  gazing  down,  with 
brutal  eager  faces  are  Tweed  and  his  dishonored  band,  with 
the  Americus  emblems  above  and  below.  But  it  is  only  the  centre 
of  the  amphitheatre  that  we  see.  There,  full  in  the  foreground, 
with  glaring  savage  eyes  and  distended  jaws,  its  great,  cruel 
paws  crushing  down  the  maimed  Republic,  we  behold  the  first 
complete  embodiment  of  that  fierce  symbol  which  twenty  3’ears 
before  had  fascinated  a little  lad  who  had  followed  and  shouted 
behind  the  engine  of  the  Big  Six.  The  creature  of  rai)acity  and 
stripes,  whose  savage  head  Tweed  had  emblazoned  on  the  Tam- 
many Banner,  had  been  called  into  being  to  rend  and  destroy 
him.  In  all  the  cartoons  the  world  has  ever  seen  none  has  been 
so  startling  in  its  conception,  so  splendidly  picturesque,  so  endur- 
ing in  its  motive  of  reform  as  “ The  Tammany  Tiger  Loose— 
"What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?  ” In  the  history  of  picto- 
rial caricature  it  stands  alone — to-day  as  then,  and  for  all  time 
— unapproached  and  unapproachable. 

Two  days  later  the  people  declared  what  they  would  do  about 
it.  The  Ring  had  plotted  to  stuff  the  ballot  and  use  their  anuies 
of  repeaters,  but  so  great  was  their  craven  fear  at  this  moment 
that  a Nast  picture  of  citizens  voting  into  a waste-basket,  with 
the  Ring  to  do  the  counting,  published  with  four  others  in 
the  great  Tiger  issue  (six  altogether),  frightened  them  into  a 
fairly  honest  count  which  swept  them  out  of  power.  The  Ring 
was  shattered.  It  existed  but  in  the  history  of  its  misdeeds. 

The  Nast  pictures  of  the  results  of  the  great  defeat  were 
worthy  of  the  man  who  had  made  them  possible.  Tweed, 
wounded,  bandaged,  disgusted  and  disgusting,  is  shown  as 
Marius  among  the  ruins  of  Carthage.  The  “ Boss,”  it  is  true, 
had  been  reelected  to  the  State  Senate — the  vote  in  his  district 
not  being  a matter  of  moral  conviction — but  he  had  lost  all  de- 
sire to  claim  his  seat.  On  another  page,  “ Something  That  Did 
Blow  Over  ” graphically  and  humorously  portrayed  the  ruins  of 


THE  TAMMANY  TIGER  LOOSE. — “ What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it  ? 
(The  lirst  use  of  the  famous  Tiger  symbol) 


108 


THOMAS  XAST 


the  House  of  Tam- 
many—the  Eing 
and  its  adherents 
either  eruslied  or 
escaping,  with  only 
Hall,  whose  term 
had  not  expired, 
still  clinging  to  a 
tottering  fragment. 
Opposite  to  this  is 
still  another  page, 
“ The  Political 
Suicide  of  Peter 
‘Brains’  Sweeny” 
— Sweeny  having 
resigned  from  office 
and  withdrawn 
from  public  life  the 
day  following  the 
fatal  election.  In  his  letter  of  resignation  he  declared  that  hence- 
forth his  official  duty  would  be  confined  to  the  single  act  of  vot- 
ing. iMr.  Sweeny,  it  may  be  added,  subsequently  made  a flying 
trip  to  Canada,  later  to  join  his  brother  James,  also  concenied 
in  Ring  financiering,  in  France.  Eventually  he  ])aid  four  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars  to  the  city  and  was  forgiven.*  It  has  been 

* ^Ir.  Sweeny’s  “Bill  of  Ilealtli”  was  obtained  and  the  inonej’  restored  to  the 
city  in  the  name  of  James  M.  Sweeny,  who  had  died  subsequent  to  tlie  Ring  ex- 
posures. This  subterfuge  was  freely  condemned  at  the  time,  as  the  following  brief 
extracts  will  show: 

Evening  Post,  June  7,  1877: 

Of  course,  nobody  will  be  deceived  by  this  disgraceful  and  offensive  sham.  The 
suit  of  the  people  was  not  against  James  ^1.  Sweeny.  He  is  dead.  The  proceed- 
ings are  not  against  the  estate.  It  is  not  believed  that  he  had  any  estate.  It  is 
known  that  he  lived  by  the  breath  of  his  brother,  that  he  was  but  a mere  miserable 
tool,  and  that  nolwdy  woidd  have  been  more  astonished  than  himself  if  it  had  been 
suggested  that  he  should  pay  to  the  city  of  New  York,  or  to  anybod}’  else,  several 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  or  any  other  sum. 


THE  COLLAPSE  OF  THE  RING 


199 


said  that  lie  never 
really  participated 
in  the  King  profits. 

If  this  be  true,  then 
the  writer  may  he 
pennitted  to  add 
that  ]\Ir.  Sweeny 
paid  a veiy  large 
price  for  the  priv- 
ilege of  keeping 
very  had  company. 

^Ir.  Tilden,  who, 
with  James 
O’Brien,  had  been 
elected  to  the 
Legislature,  must 
have  forgotten  his 
agreement  to  pro- 
tect Connolly,  for 
on  November  25th 
the  latter  was  sud- 
denly arrested  on  a 
complaint  to  which 
the  only  affidavit  was  made  by  Tilden  himself.  Connolly  realized 

Evening  Express,  June  8,  1877: 

The  release  of  Sweeny  on  the  payment  of  $400,000  is  an  insult  to  the  tax-payers 
of  the  city  and  an  outrage  on  jnstiec.  ...  It  is  nominally  paid  out  of  his  dead 
brother’s  estate,  but  even  Lawyer  Peekham  admits  that  this  pretence  is  too  thin  to 
be  believed;  and  it  is  justified  on  the  scoundrers  ground  that  compounding  with 
felony  pays  better  than  to  exact  sciuare-handed  justice  of  the  felon.  And  then  to 
give  Sweeny  a certificate  of  character  on  toj)  of  this  transaction,  shows  that  .some- 
body’s ideas  of  decency  are  strangely  demoralized  and  that  the  “Brains”  of  the  old 
King  still  has  his  pals  where  they  can  do  the  most  good. 

There  was  much  more  of  this,  and  the  sentiment  was  echoed  by  the  public  and 
the  press  generallj’.  Several  later  attempts  have  been  made  to  rehabilitate  Mr. 
Sweeny’s  reputation;  but  these  efforts  have  met,  and  are  likely  to  meet,  with  slight 
encouragement.  The  official  obloquy  recorded  against  his  dead  brother’s  memory 
remains  a serious  flaw  in  Mr.  Sweeny’s  title  to  exoneration. 


THt  political  suicide  or 
PniK‘‘BKMMS  »WrtKV. 


>THS  ^opy  C0£S  TO 
MU.  SWEENY  RETIRES  FROM  PUBLIC  LIFE 


200 


THOMAS  NAST 


that  he  liad  been  trapped  and  offered  to  settle  for  a million  dol- 
lars. A million  and  a half  was  demanded.  Connolh'’s  wife,  who 
was  present,  demurred. 

“ Kichard,  go  to  jail,”  she  said,  and  “ Slippery  Dick  ” that 
night  slept  behind  the  bars  and  remained  there  until  January. 
Then  he  secur-ed  bond  and  joined  the  “ Arrrericans  Abroad,”  the 
irnrrrber  of  which  increased  with  each  outgoing  steamer.  Alrrrost 
a score  of  indictnrents  were  prepared  against  Tweed,  but  it 
was  not  until  the  winter  of  1873  that  he  was  behind  prison  bars, 
and  then  for  rrrisderrrearror.  Later  he  was  irnprisorred  in  Ludlow 
Street  jail  irr  default  of  a three-mill iorr-dollar  bond.  Thence  he 
escaped  to  Europe,  to  be  captured,  as  we  shall  see  later,  irr  a 
manner  which  would  add  the  final  touch  to  a ti’iurnpharrt 
crusade. 

Hall— br-azen,  defiant  and  shameless  to  the  last— clrrng  to  the 
wreckage  until  his  terrrr  of  office  expir'ed,  “ The  Last  Thonr  of 
Surnrrrer,  ” as  Xast  depicted  hirrr.  Neither  the  Iler’ald  nor  the 


SOMETHIN'G  THAT  DID  BLOW  OVER — NOVEMBER  7,  1871 


THE  COLLAPSE  OE  THE  RIXG 


201 


Tribune  was  ever  fully  convinced  of  liis  guilt,  and  Nast,  in  a 
cartoon,  showed  the  younger  Bennett  and  Mr.  Greeley  white- 
washing him  until  his  real  identity  was  almost  lost.  In  another 
place  Greeley  as  Diogenes  is  “ discovering  ” him  as  the  one 
honest  man.  One  reflects  that  “ Elegant  Oakey  ” must  have 
had  a most  winning  personality  to  have  inspired  ever  so  little 
confidence  in  these  shrewd  journalists,  when  ruin  and  wreck 
lay  all  about  him,  and  only  oblivion  and  exile  before.  The 
colony  of  expatriates  claimed  him  in  due  season,  and  when,  long 
after,  he  retunied  to  his  native  land,  broken  in  body  and  fortunes, 
he  eked  out  a paltry  living  by  a petty  law  practice,  and  through 
contributing  archaic  humor  to  the  comic  weeklies. 

Of  all  the  fortunes  acquired  by  the  Ring  and  its  adherents, 
scarcely  the  remnants  of  a single  one  exist  to-day.  Less  than 
a million  of  the  loss  was  recovered  by  the  city,  but  the  men  who 
had  sold  themselves  for  plunder  had  not  the  ability  to  preseiwe 
their  ill-gotten  price.  Some  of  them  died  in  exile,  others  in 
prison.  Some  were  allowed  to  retuni  and  testify  against  their 
fellows,  and  all,  or  nearly  all,  have  perished  from  the  sight  of 
men,  and  left  only  dishonored  names  behind. 


WHAT  THE  PEOPLE  MUST  DO  ABOUT  IT 


LET  THE  GOOD  WORK  (hOUSE-CLEANINg)  GO  ON 
Miss  Columbia — “ Uncle  Sum,  you  keep  on  cleaning  the  ballot-box,  while  I give  this  a scrubbing— goodness 

knows,  it  needs  it!  ” 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

AFTER  THE  BATTLE 

Xast  had  done  irmeli  besides  the  Ring  work  in  1871,  for  he 
was  an  indefatigable  worker,  and  two  booklets,  one  entitled 
“ Dame  Europa’s  School,”  a humorous  portrayal  of  affairs  in 
Europe,  and  another,  “ Dame  Columbia’s  Public  School,  or 
Something  that  did  Not  Blow  Over  ” — both  of  which  were 
numerously  illustrated  with  Nast  drawings— had  a world-wide, 
though  of  course  brief,  popularity.  The  first  “ Nast  Almanac  ” 
also  appeared  this  year,  an  amusing  booklet  of  the  months,  to 
which  Mark  Twain,  Josh  Billings,  Nasby  and  most  of  the  “ funny 
men  ” of  the  time  contributed.  Then  there  had  been  regular 
cartoons  in  Phunny  Phellow,  also  social  and  moral  cartoons  in 
both  Haqier’s  Bazar  and  'Weekly,  and  these  had  not  failed  to 
arouse  discussion,  for  no  matter  what  the  subject  might  be,  the 
cartoons  of  Thomas  Nast  were  likely  to  be  radical  and  to  com- 
mand attention. 


AFTER  THE  BATTLE 


203 


But  with  the  overthrow  of  the  Bing,  all  else  was  forgotten. 
Letters  of  congratulation  and  even  telegrams  poured  in.  One 
of  the  latter,  from  “ Two  Patriots  of  Vermont  ” said: 

God  alone  can  fully  appreciate  the  blessings  you  have  con- 
ferred upon  the  country  by  your  noble  reform.  IMaj'  your  health 
be  spared  to  enjoy  the  perfect  happiness  you  deserve. 

From  the  Vice-President  came  an  enthusiastic  line. 

Bear  ^Ir.  Nast: 

With  a heart  full  of  joy  over  the  magnificent  results  of  last 
Tuesday,  1 write  you  again,  as  I did  in  the  fall  of  1868,  to  recog- 
nize the  large  share  you  have  had  in  its  achievement.  Week  by 
week  I have  looked  at  and  studied  your  telling  and  speaking  pic- 
tures and  wondered  how  you  could  find  so  many  new  and  strik- 
ing ideas  for  your  pictorial  bombardment.  Everybody  I have 
heard  speak  of  the  campaign  concurs  with  me  that  nothing  has 
been  more  effective.  Kejoicing  with  you  that  these  returns  prove 
that  General  Grant  can  be  elected  far  more  triumphantly  in  1872 
than  in  1868,  I am,  sincerely  your  friend, 

Schuyler  Colfax. 

In  an  editorial  on  the  Bing’s  downfall  the  Nation  said: 

INIr.  Nast  has  carried  political  illustrations  during  the  last 
six  months  to  a pitch  of  excellence  never  before  attained  in  this 
country,  and  has  secured  for  them  an  influence  on  opinion  such 
as  they  never  came  near  having  in  any  country.  It  is  right  to 
say  that  he  brought  the  rascalities  of  the  Bing  home  to  hundreds 
of  thousands  who  never  would  have  looked  at  the  figures  and 
printed  denunciations,  and  he  did  it  all  without  ever  for  one 
moment  being  weak,  or  paltry,  or  vulgar,  which  is  saying  much 
for  a man  from  whose  pencil  caricatures  were  teeming  every 
week  for  so  long. 

The  Post  (Nov.  23,  1871),  quoted  the  above,  and  added. 

The  fact  is  that  Mr.  Nast  has  been  the  most  impoidant  single 
missionary  in  the  great  work,  and  it  is  due  to  him  more  than  to 
any  other  cause  that  our  municipal  war  for  honesty  has,  from  a 
local  contest,  widened  to  a national  struggle. 

No  respectable  paper  was  bold  enough  to  defame  him  now. 
Even  those  who,  perhaps  in  a spirit  of  rivalry,  refused  to  accord 


204 


THOMAS  NAST 


credit  to  the  Times  for  its  great  work,  united  in  the  most  ex- 
travagant praises  of  Thomas  Nast.  The  Times  itself  generously 
acknowledged  that  the  pictures  of  Nast,  which  even  the  illiterate 
could  read  at  a glance,  had  been  the  most  powerful  of  all  the 
engines  directed  against  the  stronghold  of  civic  shame,  Eveiy 
leading  paper  in  America  had  an  editorial  in  his  honor.  Poets 
sang  his  praises  and  ministers  of  the  gospel  offered  blessings 
from  the  pulpit.  The  circulation  of  llari)er’s  AVeekly  had  in- 
creased from  one  hundred  thousand  to  three  times  that  number, 
a result  accredited  almost  entirely  to  the  King  cartoons  of  Nast. 
Collectors  began  to  gather  his  pictures.  iMany  wrote  for  infor- 
mation conceniing  his  earlier  work.  Among  them  was  Augus- 
tine Daly,  whose  collection  was  to  become  world-famous. 

But  it  was  not  only  in  the  market-place  that  his  name  and 
achievements  were  recognized.  In  the  most  isolated  farmhouse 
of  the  West,  in  the  woodsman’s  hut  and  in  the  miner’s  cabin,  car- 
toons of  Tweed  and  his  fellows  decorated  the  walls,  and  the  men 
and  women  who  put  them  there  knew  that  they  were  drawn  by 
Thomas  Nast.  They  knew  that  with  his  marvellous  pencil  and 
his  unfaltering  courage  he  had  triumphed  over  these  men  who 
had  brought  a great  city  to  the  verge  of  ruin,  and  who,  but 
for  him,  might  have  destroyed  the  Nation,  They  told  these 
things  to  each  other  about  the  fire  at  evening  and  the  stories 
grew  with  the  telling. 

Nor  was  this  honor  confined  to  America  alone.  London  papers 
were  filled  with  the  story  of  his  achievements  and  his  fame. 
By  the  Times,  the  Spectator,  and  other  London  journals  he  was 
hailed  as  the  Hogarth,  the  Dore,  the  Cruikshank,  the  John 
Leech,  of  America.  Such  papers  meant  to  be  generous,  com- 
plimentary and  sincere.  But  Nast  was  as  none  of  these.  He  was 
the  Thomas  Nast  of  America,  an  individuality  as  absolute,  and 
as  noble  as  any  of  those  with  whom  he  had  been  compared. 
Most  of  them  surpassed  him  in  mere  technique,  and  Nast  him- 


AFTER  THE  BATTLE 


205 


self  was  always  the  first  to  make  this  admission.  But  in  fer- 
tility of  thought,  in  originality  of  idea,  in  absolute  convictions 
and  splendid  moral  courage,  in  achievements  that  shall  make 
men  revere  his  name  and  memory,  Thomas  Nast  was  the  peer  of 
them  all. 

Ilis  great  triumph  had  been  accomplished  in  s})ite  of  his  lack 
of  early  study  and  academic  training.  Ilis  mastery  of  line  and 
color  value  was  then,  and  remains  to-day,  a matter  of  discussion 
among  artists  and  critics.  It  is  a matter  of  small  moment. 
Neither  tlien  nor  later  was  The  Tammany  Tiger  Loose  ” 
studied  for  its  teclmicpie  or  for  the  lack  of  it.  It  was  accepted 
without  a question  as  “ the  most  impressive  political  ])icture 
ever  produced  in  this  country  ”*  and  every  American  cartoonist 
at  once  appropriated  it  as  his  own — not  surreptitiously  hut 
openly,  as  the  pupil  copies  the  master.  The  symbols  and  ideas 
of  the  first  American  cartoonist  became  without  question  the 
property  of  his  followers.  In  the  AVeekly  for  December  2,  1871, 
C.  S.  Reinhart,  then  young  and  devoted  to  Nast,  made  use  of  the 
Tiger  symbol  without  hesitation.  To  him  and  to  others  it  was 
like  the  sudden  discovery  in  science  of  some  new  element  or  prin- 
ciple. It  belonged  to  the  world— the  world  of  art. 

♦ Times. 


THE  LAST  THORN  OF  SUMMER 


PAKT  FOUR:  THE  HEFEXDEK 


CHAPTER  XXIV 


“anytiiixg  to  beat  gkaxt” 


HAUL  “turned  up 

“ Here  we  are  a^ain  ” 


The  beginning  of  1872  found  Thomas 
Xast  surrounded  by  comfortable  condi- 
tions and  a hai)py  liouseliold.  His  earn- 
ings for  the  year  just  closed  had  aggre- 
gated more  than  eight  thousand  dollars, 
of  which  about  five  thousand  had  been 
paid  to  him  by  Harper  and  Brothers  for 
his  cartoons  against  the  King.  The  fact 
that  he  might  have  had  one  hundred 


times  the  last  named  amount  for  discontinuing  the  crusade  did 
not  disturb  him.  He  had  won  the  fight,  and  the  approval  of 
worthy  men.  His  loyal  vafe  rejoiced  with  him  in  his  triumph. 
His  own  health  and  that  of  his  family  had  been  regained.  With 
fair  prospects  ahead  they  planned  the  purchase  of  the  beautiful 
Morristown  home— a place  of  ample  grounds  and  spacious  rooms 
— an  ideal  abode  for  a successful  man  with  a sturdy  and  growing 
family.  The  new  house  was  acquired  in  March,  and  they  took 
possession  in  August.  IMrs.  Xast,  who  a year  before  had  come  to 
the  countin’  expecting  to  remain  but  a brief  time,  never  saw  the 
inside  of  the  little  Harlem  cottage  again. 

Of  the  children  there  were  now  four— Julia,  Tom,  Edith  and 
Mabel— the  last  a December  baby  of  the  year  just  gone.  “ We 


i 


“ ANYTIIiyG  TO  BEAT  GRANT”  307 


‘ glorious 


had  a 

fourth  ’ on  the 
Fifth  ” he  had  an- 
nounced by  tele- 
graph to  Fletcher 
Harper,  in  the  char- 
acteristic and  joy- 
ous manner  which 
remained  with  him 
to  the  end.  Less 
than  thirty-two 
years  old,  with 
health,  fame,  an 
ideal  household— 
with  long  years  of 
pi’osperity  almost 
certainly  assured— 
truly  fortune  had 
smiled  upon  the 
young  artist  who 
had  begun  with  the 
beeswax  soldiers  in 
the  dim  old  bar- 
racks of  Landau. 

In  the  midst  of  the  fierce  campaign  against  Tweed  and  his 
fellows,  the  cartoonist  had  somewhat  neglected  those  who, 
clamoring  for  reform  of  another  sort,  found  their  interest  and 
pleasure  in  decin'ing  the  administration  and  personality  of  Gen- 
eral Grant.  Now  that  the  Ling  was  in  flight,  he  began  to  give 
attention  to  such  individuals  and  party  elements  as  were  assail- 
ing the  hero  of  Donelson,  Vicksburg  and  Appomattox  Court 
House.  Being  a presidential  year,  national  affairs  were  of  first 
importance.  Besides  the  natural  enemies  of  the  Bepublican 


CAN  THE  LAW  REACH  HIM? — THE  DWARF  AND  THE 
GIANT  THIEF 


208 


THOMAS  NAST 


party,  there  had  developed  a formidable  opiDosition  in  its  own 
ranks.  In  New  York  City,  the  Sun  had  long  been  printing  a 
daily  double-column  headed  “ Useful  Horace  Greeley  ” and 
“ Useless  S.  Grant.”  The  Post  and  the  Herald  criticised  or 
denounced  the  Administration.  The  Tribune,  which  only  a little 
time  before  had  declared  that  Grant  was  the  logical  candidate, 
better  fitted  for  the  presidency  in  1872  than  he  had  been  in  1868, 
now  united  in  the  outcry  against  him,  asserting  that  there  were 
at  least  half  a dozen  better  candidates,  of  which  galaxy  Mr. 
Greeley  perhaps  believed  himself  to  be  the  bright  particular  star. 

At  Washington  the  anti-Grant  faction  consisted  of  a group 
of  Eepublican  senators,  led  by 
Charles  Sumner,  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  including  such  men 
as  Carl  Schurz,  of  ]\Iissouri; 

Reuben  E.  Fenton,  of  New 
York;  Thomas  AY.  Tipton,  of 
Nebraska,  Lyman  Trumbull 
and— though  somewhat  less 
jn’ominently — John  A.  Logan, 
of  Illinois.  A curious  cabal  it 
was,  whose  able  members  had 
submerged  the  various  ques- 
tions upon  which  they  dif-  a prophecy  that  was  to  he  twice 
fered,  to  unite  on  the  single  \ekified 

issue  and  in  the  hostile  battle-crj',  “ Anything  to  beat  Grant!  ” 

The  causes  which  had  led  to  this  defection  were,  in  the  main, 
a i^ersonal  opposition  to  the  President’s  foreign!  policy  and  to 
his  distribution  of  political  patronage.  Party  leaders,  failing  to 
obtain  profitable  offices  for  their  chief  constituents,  were  loud 
in  their  outcries  of  “ corruption  ” at  every  reported  irregu- 
larity, and  eager  in  their  demands  for  a civil  seiwice  reform.  It 
was  inevitable  under  the  prevailing  custom  that  many  offices 


'*8TONE  walls  DO  NOT  A PRISON  If ARE.**><V^ 

**Ko  FttaoH  u »io  taoi'CM  to  hold  the  Bom."  Ik  ok  out  ii»>,  «n>  eer  t 
«HB  OtREm. 


■‘AXYTIIING  TO  BEAT  GHAXT  ” 


209 


should  be  filled  by  unworthy  can- 
didates unduly  recommended, 
and  the  President  had  made  some 
unfortunate  appointments.  For 
this  he  was  now  held  personally 
responsible,  and  when  frauds 
developed  here  and  there,  as  they 
have  in  every  administration 
since  the  formation  of  the  Ke- 
public.  Grant  was  charged  as  be- 
ing directly  to  blame  if  not  actu- 
alh'  a participant  in  the  profits  of 
dishonesty. 

That  Charles  Sumner,  with  a 
noble  record  behind  him,  should 
have  been  a leader  in  this  ignoble 
warfare  upon  America’s  great- 
est soldier  and  one  of  her  most  honored  Presidents,  is  not  now 
a pleasant  recollection  for  those  who  would  revere  that  great 
statesman  as  the  embodiment  of  all  that  is  unselfish,  high-prin- 
cipled and  splendid— the  Bayard  of  politics,  the  Chesterfield  of 
debate.  It  was  in  1856  that  Preston  S.  Brooks,  of  South  Caro- 
lina, incensed  at  Sumner’s  arraignment  of  slavery,  struck  him 
down  at  his  desk  with  a gutta-percha  cane.  Neither  then  nor 
afterward  did  the  Massachusetts  statesman  ever  make  any  re- 
taliation, and  when,  after  a long  illness,  he  returned  once  more 
to  his  accustomed  place  he  was  welcomed  as  a martyr  and  hon- 
ored as  a demi-god.  It  has  been  said  that  from  the  blow  of 
“ Bully  ” Brooks  he  never  fully  recovered,  and  perhaps  we  may 
accept  this  as  an  excuse  for  the  fierce  intolerance  and  personal 
vindictiveness  of  his  closing  days. 

Sumner  was  a man  of  debate  and  oratory’’ — a chevalier  of 
fiercely  passionate  eloquence  and  finely  rounded  periods.  Grant 

14 


CHARLES  SUMNER 
(From  a photograph) 


210 


THOMAS  NAST 


was  a soldier — a man  of  deeds — with  words  few  and  simple. 
Sumner  was  splendid  in  physique  and  bearing.  Grant  was  small, 
unpretentious,  almost  uncouth.  Sumner  was  willing  to  honor 
Grant  as  a soldier  and  a hero,  hut  the  man  from  Galena  must 
have  been  weighed  and  found  lacking  in  much  that  the  Massa- 
chusetts senator  would  have  deemed  gratifying  in  the  nation’s 
Chief  j\Iagistrate.  As  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign 
Kelations,  Sumner  resented  the  military  simplicity  and  policy 
of  his  little  commander,  and  was  likely  to  appear  conde- 
scending in  their  enforced  intercourse.  On  the  other  hand. 
Grant  was  altogether  willing  to  pay  tribute  to  Sumner’s 
superior  culture  and  exi)erience,  and  to  accord  deference  to  his 
desires. 

It  was  this  inclination  on  the  part  of  the  President  that  led 
to  the  break  in  their  friendly  relations.  Grant’s  "West  India 
policy  tended  to  the  annexation  of  San  Domingo,  and  in  January, 
1870,  he  had  called  one  evening  at  Sumner’s  house  to  discuss  the 
question  and  secure  cooperation.  The  Senator  was  at  dinner 
and  perha25s  did  not  wish  to  he  disturbed  during  that  function. 
Furtheimore,  though  favoring,  himself,  the  annexation  of  Can- 
ada, he  vigorously  ojiposed,  as  coming  from  the  President,  any 
annexation  in  the  direction  of  the  "West  Indies.  He  afterwards 
avowed  that  the  President  had  come  to  him  under  the  influence 
of  liquor.  "Whatever  may  have  been  the  details  of  the  meeting, 
it  is  recorded  that  from  that  night  Sumner  became  the  bitter 
l^ersonal  opi^onent  of  Grant— decrying  in  public,  and  to  any 
one  who  would  listen,  not  only  the  administration  hut  the  char- 
acter of  Grant  in  the  most  violent  and  opprobrious  terms. 

Those  who  knew  and  loved  him  best  were  amazed  at  his 
behavior.  One  of  them,  P.  II.  Dana,  wrote: 

Sumner  has  been  acting  like  a madman.  ...  If  I could 
hear  that  he  was  out  of  his  head  from  opium,  or  even  New  Eng- 
land rum,  not  indicating  a habit,  I should  be  relieved.  ]\Iason, 


“ANYTIIIXG  rO  BEAT  GRANT  ” 


211 


Davis  and  Slidell  were  never  so  insolent  and  overbearing  as  he 
was,  and  his  arguments,  his  answers  of  questions,  were  boyish  or 
crazy,  1 don’t  know  which.  ' 

If  Charles  Sumner’s  mind  was  clear  at  this  period,  it  is  not 
easy  to  apologize  for  his  demeanor.  Openly  and  abusively  hos- 
tile, both  to  the  administration  and  the  President,  he  might 
with  perfectly  good  taste  have  resigned  his  post  of  honor  instead 
of  using  it  to  impede  legislation  and  to  delay  the  Alabama  ad- 
justment, then  for  the  first  time  made  possible. 

For  England,  who  had  permitted  Confederate  privateers  to  be 
constructed  in  Brit- 
ish waters  and  to 
sail  through  British 
statutes  to  destroy 
American  shipping, 
had  long  since  real- 
ized that  she  had 
established  a dan- 
gerous precedent 
which  might  be  fol- 
lowed to  her  own 
vast  undoing.  She 
had  made  for  her- 
self a bed  not  con- 
ducive to  repose, 
especially  after 
Grant’s  declaration, 
in  his  annual  mes- 
sage, 1871,  that 
“ Our  firm  and  un- 
alterable convictions 
are  just  the  re- 
verse ” (of  those  of 


Peace  to  Justice:  “After  you,  madame” 


212 


THOMAS  XAST 


England),  and  liis  announcement  that  the  United  States  'would 
take  over  the  ownership  of  all  the  private  claims  and  thus  be 
nationally  responsible  for  all  demands  against  Great  Britain. 

The  eagerness  of  England  to  make  an  end  of  the  matter  now 
became  acute.  Through  Hamilton  Fish— Grant’s  Secretary  of 
State— and  Sir  John  Bose,  of  England,  was  consummated  the 
Treaty  of  ’Washington,  an  international  agreement  looking  to  the 
settlement  of  the  Alal)ama  claims  and  questions  concerning 


“WELL  ROARED,  LION!”  AND  “WELL  SHONE,  MOON!” 

SECRETARY  FISH  AND  GENERAL  GRANT  AJIUSED  AT  THE 
ENGLISH  OUTCRY'  OVER  THE  ALABAMA  CLAIMS 

the  settlement  complete,  the  withdrawal  should  he  from  this 
hemisphere,  including  ]u*ovinces  and  islands.”  * 

As  this  demand  would  virtually  have  stopped  negotiations. 
General  Grant,  who  had  paid  little  attention  to  Sumner’s  per- 

* Address  by  Charles  Francis  Adams,  N.  Y.  Hist.  Society,  November  19,  1901. 


certain  fisheries  and 
boundaries.  Still 
deferring  to  the 
■Massachusetts 
Senator,  the  Presi- 
dent sent  Secretary' 
Fish  with  a mem- 
orandum of  the 
proposed  Alabama 
clause  to  Sumner’s 
house  to  obtain  his 
approval.  Sum- 
ner’s reply  was, 
that  as  a condition 
of  settlement  the 
withdrawal  of  the 
British  flag  from 
Canada  could  not 
he  abandoned,  and 
added,  “ To  make 


“ANYTHING  TO  HEAT  GRANT  ” 


213 


sonal  attacks,  now  made  up  Ins  mind  that  the  Senator’s  removal 
from  his  post  of  influence  was  not  only  desirable,  but  necessary. 
Being  a military  man,  he  did  not  hesitate  to  reduce,  in  any  man- 
ner that  might  prove  effective,  a subordinate  who  impeded,  and 
was  likely  to  destroy,  a measure  of  such  manifest  importance. 
On  the  9th  of  i\Iarch,  1871,  in  a Eepublican  senatorial  caucus, 
Charles  Sumner  was  deposed  from  the  chainnanship  of  the 
Senate  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations— a position  he  had  held 
with  honor  for  many  years.  The  Treaty  of  'Washington  was 
concluded — the  Alabama  Claims  being  finally  arbitrated  at 
Geneva,  Switzerland,  in  the  summer  of  1872.  For  damages 
to  American  shipping  England  paid  to  the  United  States  the  sum 
of  $15,500,000— an  amicable  adjustment,  due  to  the  combined 
efforts  of  President  Grant,  Secretary  Fish,  and  Sir  John  Rose. 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  how  naturally  Sumner 
—still  the  foremost  statesman  of  the  time— had  been  made  leader 
of  the  anti-Grant  senatorial  faction  of  1872.  Carl  Schurz,  with 
grievances  and  ambitions  of  his  own,  espoused  Sumner’s 
cause  and  became  his  closest  adherent  and  counsellor.  Fenton, 
Trumbull,  Tipton  and  oth- 
ers, each  with  his  own  axe 
to  grind,  rallied  about  them, 
rejoicing  in  the  leadership 
of  one  who  for  a second 
time  had  been  “ struck 
down  ’’—this  time,  as  it 
was  then  declared, “because 
of  his  opposition  to  the  San 
Domingo  scheme  ”— a mar- 
tyr to  “ military  rule,”  a 
victim  of  the  ruthless  sol- 

, ^ “ LET  US  CLASP  HANDS  OVEU  (WHAT  MIGHT 

dier.  Grant.  have  been)  a bloody  chasm” 


CHAPTER  XXV 

NAST  AND  CURTIS  AND  A CONFLICT  OF  POLICIES 

Nast  began  the  campaign  of  1872  by  dividing  bis  attention 
chiefly  between  the  Greeley  movement  in  Printing  House  Square 
and  those  who  waged  war  upon  the  President  at  the  capital. 
Early  in  January  he  published  a cartoon  entitled  “ VTiat  I 
know  about  Greeley  on  the  one  hand,  the  “ Sage  of  Chap- 
paqua  ” in  the  “ sacred  old  white  hat  and  coat  ” offering  bail 
to  Jefferson  Davis,  and  on  the  other,  flinging  mud  at  the  imiier- 
turbable  Grant.  Later  in  the  month  there  appeared  a picture 
which  made  a most  decided  stir.  Grant  had  been  by  no  means 
deaf  to  the  cry  for  Civil  Service  Reform.  He  was,  in  fact,  the 
first  President  to  show  any  interest  in  tne  theory.  In  his  mes- 
sage he  had  declared  for  it  in  unmistakable  tenns.  Perhaps 
this  was  not  altogether  a pleasant  surprise  for  those  who  had 
been  denouncing  him  as  a military  despot  and  spoilsman.  Civil 
Servdce,  after  all,  might  not  prove  a savory  broth  to  Senators 
long  accustomed  to  arbitrary  appointments  for  services 
rendered.  Nast’s  cartoon  represents  their  disgust  at  being 
compelled  to  take  the  potion  they  had  been  so  clamorously 
demanding. 

The  picture  was  a shot  liome  and  contained  a humor  which 
perhaps  the  disaffected  Senators  failed  to  see.  They  cried  out 
against  any  such  treatment  of  their  dignified  body.  It  also 


XAST  AXD  CL’ NT  IS 


215 


brought  a protest  from  Curtis,  himself  chairman  of  the  Civil 
Service  Commission  at  'Washington,  editing  the  Weekly  at  long 
range.  Curtis  Avas  the  intimate  friend  of  most  of  the  members 
of  the  anti-Grant  cabal,  especially  of  Sumner,  for  whom  he 


“CHILDREN  CRY  FOR  IT.” 

V.  a C.  ‘ IF  VOL-  CAN  STAND  IT  I CAN.* 


“ If  had  men  have  secured  places,  it  has  heen  the  fault  of  the  system  estahlishM  by  law  and  custom  for  making; 
appointments,  or  the  fault  of  thosi?  who  recommend  for  government  ))ositinns  persons  hot  sutlieiently  well  known  to 
them  personally,  or  w’ho  give  letters  indorslnir  the  chara<*ter  of  ortiee-s<H*kers  without  a proper  sense  of  the  grave 
responsibility  which  such  a course  devolves  upon  them.  A civil  service  reform  which  can  correct  this  abuse  is  much 
desired.— GranC.s  }te8sage. 

GRANT  OFFERS  THE  CIVIL  SERVICE  BROTH  TO  SCHURZ,  SUMNER,  TRUMBULL,  FENTON 
AND  OTHERS.  THIS  PICTURE  GREATLY  DISTURBED  MR.  CURTIS 


216 


THOMAS  NAST 


cherished  an  affection  that  found  expression  in  a fine  eulogy 
after  the  death  of  that  statesman  in  1874.  Nevertheless,  Cuidis 
was  at  this  period  loyal  to  Grant  and  did  not  himself  hesitate 
in  his  carefully  worded  editorials  to  mildly  reprove  the  dis- 
senting faction,  hoping  thereby  to  lead  them  step  by  step  hack 
into  the  fold.  Already  he  had  sought  Nast’s  cooperation,  in 
a pleasant  and  characteristic  letter. 

My  Dear  Nephew  Washington,  Jan.  13,  1872. 

I wrote  to  Mr.  Harper  a day  or  two  ago  about  punching  the 
Honorable  Horace  Greeley.  Affairs  are  taking  an  aspect  not  ex- 
actly foreseen,  and,  in  my  opinion,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  it 
is  not  wise  to  hit  any  of  those  with  whom  we  must  finally  coop- 
erate. The  “ President’s  friends  ” will  perhaps  be  found  firing 
on  him  by  and  by,  for  he  is  fully  in  eaniest  about  the  Civil 
Service,  and  they  are  bitterly  hostile.  You  remember  what  I 
said  some  months  ago  about  Sumner,  Schurz  and  Greeley,  and 
1 am  of  the  same  mind.  It  is  not  with  the  President’s  differences 
with  Pepublicans,  but  with  the  Ku-Klux  Democracy,  that  we 
ought  to  deal  in  picture,  because  it  is  so  much  more  powerful  and 
unmanageable  than  writing. 

1 am  an  old  gentleman  and  my  faculties  are  doubtless  clouded, 
but  think  of  what  I say,  and  of  Your  affectionate 

“ Uncle!  ” 

But  the  policy  of  fair  words  in  no  wise  suited  the  resolute  and 
aggressive  tempei’ament  of  Nast.  He  had  little  faith  in  the  idea 
of  conciliation  and  he  cared  not  at  all  for  vague  and  indirect 
possibilities.  He  saw  in  a straight  line  very  clearly,  and  he 
struck  accordingly.  To  him  Sumner  was  simply  a detainer  of 
Grant,  who  had  met  a well-deseiwed  fate.  Greeley  was  an  “ old 
humbug  ” who  dressed  for  effect,  and  who  had  pledged  a sup- 
port which  he  now  repudiated.  The  cartoon  “ Children  Cry 
For  It  ” was  the  “ Nephew’s  ” rather  startling  reply  to  the 
“ Uncle’s  ” request,  and  the  shock  was  general.  Curtis  wrote 
immediately: 

]\Iy  Dear  Nast: 

I am  confounded  and  chagrined  by  your  picture  of  this  week, 
in  which  my  personal  friends  and  those  whom  I asked  you 


NAST  Ayi)  CURTIS 


217 


espGcitilly  to  spar©  arc  exposed  to  wliat  I tliink  is  not  only 
ridicule  but  injustice.  Your  picture  implies  that  the  President 
adopts  the  reform  for  the  purpose  of  commending  a distasteful 
potion  to  those  who  have  concocted  it.  1 think,  and  therefore 
1 say  it  frankly,  that  it  injures  everybody  and  the  cause  con- 
cenied.  The  one  thing  for  which  I have  striven  in  the  conduct 
of  the  paper  is  unity  of  sentiment.  I don’t  think  the  pictures 
and  the  text  should  be  at  variance,  and  it  is  i)ossible  to  criticise 
a man  severely  in  words  without  the  least  ridicule,  but  it  can’t 
be  done  in  pikures.  I do  not  know  how  I can  more  strongly 
protest  than  I have  already  done  against  the  fatal  policy  of 
tiring  upon  Republicans.  Success  is  not  assured  by  alienating 
those  who  up  to  the  nomination  ha^e  exactly  the  same  lights  as 
ourselves.  Remem- 
ber it  is  not  the 
body  known  as 
“ the  President’s 
friends  ” who  hate 
the  refonn,*  but  it 
is  the  very  men  you 
ridicule  who  have 
real ly  su])ported 
the  movement  and 
who  mean  what 
they  say. 

I do  not  assume 
any  right  whatever 
to  control  your  ac- 
tion or  to  dictate 
in  any  manner.  I 
protest  to  you  as  a 
friend  against  the 
injustice  done  to 
other  friends  and 
in  a way  of  which 
I must  bear  the 
responsibility.  Xor 
is  it  a personal  pro- 
test only.  The  cause 
of  the  party,  and 
therefore  of  the 
country,  is  in- 
jured. I.  support 


* Compare  with  the  pre- 
ceding letter. 


ATTVIt  cn  TRK  tAfV-EJirK  KAILBOAD  iWM)  UlAMI  ir 


THE  OVERTHROW  OF  THE  ERIE  RTN’G 


218 


THOMAS  NAST 


the  President  sincerely,  but  I respect  the  equal  sincerity  of 
my  friends  who  differ.  The  situation  is  difficult,  and  our  cause 
requires  extreme  delicacy  of  treatment.  To-day  I am  to  dine  with 
Mr.  Sumner,  but  how  can  I eat  his  bread,  knowing  tliat  the  paper 
with  which  I am  identified  holds  him  up  to  public  contempt?  Yes- 
terday, when  I defended  the  President  to  Mr.  Schurz,  he  shook 
my  hand  warmly,  and  said,  ‘ ‘ At  least  we  agi'ee  upon  the  point  of 
Civil  Service.”  What  will  his  feelings  be  when  he  sees  ” my 
paper  ” ? 

My  dear  Nast,  I am  very  sorely  touched  by  your  want  of 
regard  for  my  friendship,  for  I asked  you  not  to  do  this  very 
thing.  I know,  if  you  will  excuse  me,  better  than  you  can 
possibly  know,  the  mischief.* 

Very  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 

However  much  this  rather  remarkable  letter  may  have 
appealed  to  Nast  from  the  personal  point  of  view,  it  was  far  from 
convincing  him  as  a guide  to  warfare.  That  Curfis  should  con- 
sider his  own  personal  affiliations  before  the  greater  cause  of 
the  nation’s  welfare  was,  to  a man  like  Nast,  who  had  never 
considered  even  life  itself  as  against  the  cause  of  justice,  a matter 
for  scorn  and  contempt.  That  the  editor  should  feel  any  delicacy 
in  boldly  attacking  and  satirizing  the  men  who  were  attempting 
to  destroy  the  President  seemed  to  him  silly  and  “ Miss  Nancy- 
ish  ” to  an  extreme  degree.  Curtis,  with  all  his  gifts,  never  un- 
derstood the  value  of  the  open  and  direct  warfare  of  Nast,  while 
Nast  found  little  to  admire  in  the  smooth  and  gentle  rhetoric 
of  Curtis. 

” When  he  attacks  a man  with  his  pen  it  seems  as  if  he  were 
apologizing  for  the  act,”  Nast  once  expressed  himself.  ” I try 
to  hit  the  enemy  between  the  eyes  and  knock  him  down.” 

Curtis’s  was  the  policy  of  pacification,  while  Nast’s  was  that 
of  annihilation. 

“ What  I have  written  I can  modify  or  recall  later,”  Curtis 


* It  is  likely  that  Mr.  Curtis  overestimated  the  possible  elTect  of  the  pictures. 
If  a dignified  body  of  senators  could  be  alienated  from  their  party  by  pictorial 
satire,  their  allegiance  was  hardly  worth  preserving. 


THE  DISAFFECTED  SENATORS — SCHUHZ, 


2:^0 


THOMAS  NAST 


ouce  said  in  the  midst  of  a discussion  with  the  artist.  “ You 
cannot  do  that  with  a picture.” 

“ I only  draw  what  I believe  to  be  right,”  retorted  Xast,  “ and 
I do  not  wish  to  recall  it.  ’ ’ 

Gradually  there  grew  up  between  them  a definite  antagonism, 
which  Nast  with  his  usual  frankness  took  little  pains  to  conceal. 
On  the  other  hand,  Curtis,  the  courtier  and  diplomat,  seldom 
displayed  any  feeling,  always  greeting  the  cartoonist  with  a 
smile,  and  not  infrequently  going  out  of  his  way  to  oblige  and 
conciliate,  as  is  shown  by  a number  of  letters  in  which  he  con- 
gratulates Xast  on  his  excellent  work,  or  seeks  to  arrange  for  him 
certain  profitable  engagements.  The  oft-repeated  statements  of 
a partisan  press  that  Thomas  Xast  was  merely  a tool  to  seiwe  the 
will,  and  give  expression  to  the  ideas  of  George  William  Curtis, 
appear  rather  absurd  in  the  face  of  these  developments. 

With  the  beginning  of  Februaiy  appeared  a cartoon  entitled 
“ Cincinnatus  ” — one  of  the  best  of  the  year,  and,  as  was  so  often 
the  case,  a proi)hecy.  Greeley  the  editor  is  offering  the  com- 
bined Kepublican  and  Democratic  nominations  to  Greelej'  the 
fanner,  while  in  the  background  appears  the  Democratic  Don- 
key kicking  fiercely  at  being  yoked  with  a rather  unhappy  ox, 
intended  to  typify  Mr.  Greeley’s  Republican  following.  It  was 
not  believed  at  the  time  that  Greeley  was  a Democratic  presi- 
dential possibility.  Xevertheless,  Xast,  with  his  usual  insight, 
did  not  fail  to  strike  the  precise  situation  as  it  developed  a few 
months  later. 


CHAPTER  XX^H 

AVASIIIXGTOX  IIONOKS  AND  SOME  LESSONS  IN  STATESMANSHIP 

Xast  now  made  a trip  to  'Washington  to  look  over  the  situa- 
tion at  close  range.  He  had  expected  to  make  a brief  visit,  hut 
social  events  detained  him.  That  he  was  to  be  a power  in  the 
approaching  campaign  was  recognized  at  the  capital.  The 
“ Sword  of  Sheridan  ” had  become  as  a memory.  The  “ Pencil 
of  Xast  ” had  never  been  so  keenly  and  trenchantly  alive  as  at 
this  moment.  Dinners  attended  by  Cabinet  officers  and  presi- 
dential possibilities  were  given  in  his  honor.  At  the  "White 
House,  General  Grant  and  his  family  received  him  in  their  home 
circle,  and  a life-long  friendship  began  between  the  artist  and 
soldier-president. 

In  frequent  letters  to  the  wife  at  home  Nast,  now  in  the 
first  full  tide  of  his  great  fame,  tells  us  of  his  triumphs  at  the 
capital.  "What  wonder  if  he  was  carried  off  his  feet  a little  by 
the  swing  of  it  all— delighted  yet  dismayed— made  dizzy  yet 
keeping  his  head  as  best  he  could — always  holding  fast  to  the 
life-line  that  anchored  at  his  own  fireside.  In  his  first  letter  he 
speaks  of  his  coming,  and  of  the  recent  difference  with  Curtis. 

The  Harpers  wanted  me  to  go,  and  they  did  not.  They 
thought  it  would  be  good  to  go,  and  they  thought  it  would  not, 
and  I came  near  coming  home  again.  But  I decided  that  if  I did 
not  go  now  I would  not  go  at  all,  and  then  I might  be  sorr\"  for 
not  going  before  the  nominations.  Mr.  Curtis  sent  me  another 


232 


THOMAS  NAST 


note.  He  was  very  mncli  hurt.  He  did  not  think  I would  be  so 
unkind  as  to  liit  his  friends.  He  asked,  “ How  can  I eat  the  bread 
of  Sumner  after  you  have  ridiculed  him?  ” One  of  the  Harpers 
said:  “ He  must  not  eat  the  bread  of  Sumner.”  Fletcher,  Jr., 
said:  ” Curtis  may  send  in  his  resignation.”  1 spoke  to  Fletcher, 
Sr.,  about  it,  and  he  said  the  Weekly  could  stand  it  if  i\Ir.  Curtis 
could,  and  I do  think  they  would  rather  have  Curtis  go  than  have 
the  Weekly  not  show  its  strength.  He  also  said  he  thought  I was 
oftener  right  than  Curtis,  and  he  would  rather  have  my  opinion 
on  this  question  than  Mr.  Curtis’s. 

I will  call  on  Mr.  Curtis  to-day  and  hear  what  he  has  to  say, 
hut  will  sa/very  little  myself,  as  he  can  talk  so  much  better  than 
I can. 

The  Chipmans  dined  with  General  Grant  the  other  day,  and 
told  him  they  thought  1 was  coming  on  soon.  The  President 
said:  ” I would  very  much  like  to  see  Mr.  Nast  again.”  Grant  is 
sure  to  be  nominated,  but  C’urtis’s  friends  will  do  all  they  can 
against  him.  Grant  tells  Chipman  * it  is  awful  the  way  the 
politicians  try  to  get  him  to  do  this  and  to  do  that,  and  because 
he  does  not  do  just  as  they  say  he  should,  they  get  mad  and 
kick  him,  more  than  they  ever  did  any  President  before. 

Later.  After  1 got  through  with  my  breakfast  I called  on  Mr. 
Curtis.  I found  the  lion  in  his  den.  He  didn’t  say  anything  more 
about  making  fun  of  his  friends,  so  I didn’t  say  anything,  either. 
He  tried  to  explain  things  as  they  are  in  Washington,  and  it 
seems  to  me  that  he  is  awfully  muddled  up.  However,  I didn’t 
care,  as  I am  here  to  see  myself  how  things  are— at  least  as  I 
can  see  them. 

The  President  found  out  I was  here,  and  sent  word  he  would 
like  to  see  me.  So  after  1 got  through  with  C’urtis  I called  on 
the  President.  I had  a very  ])leasant  chat  with  him  about  every- 
thing in  general,  and  1 was  veiy  much  pleased  with  the  open  way 
in  which  lie  s])oke  to  me.  I was  with  him  about  an  hour.  When 
we  got  through,  he  asked  me  to  come  and  dine  with  him  and  his 
family  at  five  P.!M. 

I went  to  dine  with  Grant  and  his  family  at  five  and  did  not 
get  away  from  the  White  House  until  nearly  ten.  Had  a very 
pleasant  time.  It  seemed  very  homelike  indeed.  Xo  nonsense, 
no  show,  Imt  the  real  thing.  1 also  met  the  Vice-President  there 
— a great  difference  between  him  and  Grant! 

At  the  dinner  there  were  only  the  family  and  General  AVilson 
and  wife.  General  AVilson  is  the  man  who  captured  Jeff.  Davis. 
It  is  thought  a great  honor  to  be  asked  to  dine  with  the  President 
at  his  private  table. 

• Col.  N.  P.  Chipman,  Congressional  Delegate  from  District  of  Columbia. 


CINCINNATUS. 

THE  FARMER  RECEIVING  THE  NOMINATION  FROM  II.  G.  THE  EDITOR 


224 


THOMAS  yJST 


Everybody  knows  me,  everybody  is  glad  to  see  me,  every- 
body thanks  me  for  the  work  I did  during  the  Tammany  war. 
The  Chipmans  are  going  to  have  a big  man-party  to  meet  me 
here.  Colonel  Chipman  thinks  it  was  a very  good  thing— my 
coming  here— as  everybody  knows  1 don’t  want  anything,  and 
eveiwbody  tells  me  everything,  just  as  if  I was  a great  peace- 
maker. From  the  President  down,  they  all  have  their  little 
troubles  to  pour  out,  and  I listen  to  them  all. 

I was  on  the  floor  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  House  of  Kepre- 
seutatives  yesterday,  and  had  quite  a reception.  Senators  to  ]>ay 
their  respects  to  me!  What  do  you  think  of  that?  Now,  if  you 
were  only  here,  it  would  be  all  right!  ” 

Feb.  2.  Last  night  Colonel  Chipman  gave  a man’s  party  for 
the  big  men  of  Washington  to  meet  me,  and  I can  tell  you  they 
came!  The  Vice-President  came,  judges  from  the  Supreme 
Court,  the  Secretaiy  of  War,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  a 
great  many  senators,  some  members  of  the  press— in  fact,  all 
that  could  come  were  here.  The  President  was  coming,  but  was 
tired  after  his  reception  at  the  White  House;  but  the  generals 
that  are  on  his  staff  came  and  excused  him.  Mr.  Curtis  was  asked 
and  sent  a note  of  regret,  but  to  our  astonishment  he  came  in 
about  ten.  I do  not  know  what  to  make  of  Curtis.  I am  afraid 
there  is  going  to  be  a row,  but  I think  the  Harpers  will  be  on  my 
side.  I dine  with  the  Governor  of  the  District  to-morrow,  with 
the  Speaker,  and  so  on.  Nothing  but  dinners,  calls  and  i)arties, 
and  I cannot  do  much  work,  but  am  getting  a great  deal  of  mate- 
rial. Don’t  be  sur])rised  to  see  me  home  any  day,  l)ut  they  are 
trying  to  keep  me  as  long  as  they  can. 

Feb.  5.  Dined  with  Speaker  Blaine  last  night.  At  the  din- 
ner I sat  between  Mrs.  Ames  (Blanch  Butler)  and  Gail  Hamilton 
—the  latter  very  plain,  the  former  very  handsome.  I think  Gail 
Hamilton  did  not  like  it  that  I talked  with  i\Irs.  Ames  more,  and 
afterwards  she  told  me  so,  but  the  real  reason  was  that  she  was 
too  strong-minded  for  me,  and  the  other  Avas  not. 

Feb.  6.  I send  a few  lines,  but  only  a few.  You  have  no  idea 
how  my  time  is  taken  up  from  morning  until  night  — in  fact,  mid- 
night. Everything  here  goes  so  Avell  I am  afraid  something  will 
happen  at  home. 

The  dinner  that  l\Ir.  Hastings  gave  me  last  night  was  really 
very  fine,  and  the  Secretary  of  State  * was  on  my  right,  and  he 
talked  to  me  so  much  during  the  evening  that  they  called  it  a 
“ Nast-y— Fish  ” dinner.  But  he  told  me  a great  many  matters 
of  State  that  I was  very  anxious  to  know. 

* Hamilton  Fisli. 


If'ASIIIXGTOX  HONORS 


225 


Yesterday  I made  calls  on  ladies  with  ]\Irs.  Chipman,  and  it 
does  seem  strange,  but  they  are  all  as  much  interested  in  my 
pictures  as  the  men-folks. 

I see  the  President  nearly  every  day,  and  he  is  always  pleased  to 

see  me.  It  certainly  is  funny  how 
all  the  senators  are  in  a flutter 
about  my  being  here,  and  are  all 
afraid  tliat  I will  do  them  up. 
Senator  Trumbull,  whom  I made 
a picture  of  in  my  drawing  of 
civil  seiwice,  is  very  polite  and 
very  kind.  He  wants  to  be  Presi- 
dent. 

The  power  I have  here  fright- 
ens me.  But  you  will  keep 
watch  on  me,  won’t  you?  You 
will  not  let  me  use  it  in  a bad 
cause. 

I want  to  come  home  but 
must  see  what  Harpers  say 
about  it. 

Feb.  8.  Last  night  dinner  at 
the  Chipmans’.  We  had  a good 
many  members  of  the  House  of 
Eepresentatives.  Kelly,  Roose- 
velt of  New  York,  Governor  Ash- 
ley and  others.  Joe  Harper  is  coming  on  about  copyright  busi- 
ness, so  I must  stay.  General  Grant  and  family  have  been 
asked  to  dine  at  the  Chipmans’  with  me.  They  put  it  off  till  next 
week. 

But  I must  stop  these  goings  on.  I can’t  get  any  work  done 
— it  is  too  much  of  a good  thing. 

Feb.  10.  This  morning  I got  a telegram  from  Joe  Haqier. 
He  says  stay  and  see  Hubbard.  Hubbard  is  a copyright  man.  I 
have  seen  him  often,  and  he  thinks  I can  do  a great  deal  of  good 
by  staying.  I want  to  go  home:  not  that  I am  not  having  a good 
time,  but  I am  getting  homesick. 

Yesterday  evening  called  on  the  President— stayed  two 
hours.  Was  asked  to  dine  with  him  again  on  Sunday — an  honor 
that  even  Chipman  was  surprised  at.  Went  to  Blaine’s  recep- 
tion with  the  Chipmans.  The  Leslie  crowd  was  there.  Mrs. 
Chipman  said  they  watched  me  very  closely.  She  said  Carl 
Schurz  and  his  wife  watched  me,  too.  Fenton  said  he  would  give 
me  another  portrait — that  the  one  I was  using  was  not  good. 

15 


226 


THOMAS  NAST 


Each  one  seems  so  anxious  I should  have  his  best  picture  to 
work  from. 

Feb.  13.  Yesterday  was  the  first  day  of  real  hard  work.  I 
was  at  the  copyright  meeting  all  day,  listening  to  the  s])eeches, 

and  I was  never  so  played  out  in 
my  life;  l)ut  I must  stand  it  till 
Joe  Harper  comes,  which  will  be 
Wednesday.  The  President  will 
dine  here  then,  and  Mr.  Haiper 
also. 

There  is  a great  pressure 
against  me  for  making  fun  of 
Schurz,  Sumner,  etc.,  but  I hear 
that  the  Harpers  will  stand  by 
me,  no  matter  what  happens,  and 
if  things  come  to  the  worst,  it 
will  be  Curtis  who  will  go.  I am 
anxious  to  have  Mr.  Harper  come 
on,  so  I can  see  him  here,  and 
then  have  a long  talk  as  we  go 
home. 

Dined  with  the  President  again 
Sunday— had  a fine  time.  Gen- 
eral Porter  told  me  that  no  one 
had  been  so  nicely  received  at  the 
White  House  as  I was.  I wanted  to  go  home  just  for  a day  or 
so,  and  then  return  to  end  the  copyright  business,  but  they  were 
afraid  I would  not  come  back;  and  they  were  about  right.  They 
are  all  so  nice  and  kind  to  me,  but  1 am  homesick. 

A few  days  later  he  had  left  the  whirl  and  whisperings  and 
tumult  of  the  capital  behind.  Heading  the  old  letters  now,  one 
cannot  but  be  faintly  reminded  of  the  diary  of  Mr.  Pepys  amid 
the  gayeties  of  London.  What  seems  surprising  is  that  he 
should  so  soon  have  wearied  of  the  adulation  of  statesmen  and 
the  confidences  of  a nation’s  chief.  For  he  was  little  more  than 
a,  boy— not  yet  thirty-two— and  in  the  first  great  glory  of  a 
triumph  such  as  the  nation  had  not  seen. 

Of  course  this  Washington  ei)isode  did  not  go  unnoticed  by 
the  opposition  j)ress.  Nast ’s  victory  over  the  King  was  too  recent 
to  be  forgotten,  but  it  was  avowed  that  while  Tommy  Nast  could 


8EXATOU  FENTON 


IVASHINGTON  HONORS 


227 


uot  be  bought  with  money,  he  could  be  influenced  by  adulation 
and  fine  dinners— and  had  left  Washington,  })ledged  to  Grant 
and  the  Administration.  Thomas  Nast  was  indeed  pledged  to 
Grant;  not  in  words,  but  in  his  spirit  of  loyalty  to  a hero  who, 
with  malice  toward  none  and  with  charity  for  all,  had  led  the 
nation’s  armies  to  victory — unswervingly  and  uncompromis- 
ingly fighting  it  out  on  a single  line  to 
that  final  hour  when  to  a vanquished  en- 
emy he  could  say  “ Let  us  have  peace.” 

And  Grant  needed  the  loyalty  of  just 
such  a relentless  and  unflinching  cham- 
})ion  as  Nast.  His  enemies  were  legion, 
his  assailants  fierce  and  vindictive.  The 
press  of  the  period  hesitated  at  no 
charge  that  would  serve  to  blacken  an 
enemy,  and  caricature  was  restricted 
only  by  the  limits  of  imagination.  Frank 
Leslie,  who,  during  the  summer  and 
autumn  of  1871,  had  repeatedly  endeav- 
ored to  secure  Nast,  later  had  brought  iiouACEouEELEY,  isrs 
iMatt  Morgan  from  England  to  oppose  him.  Morgan,  in  England, 
had  made  a successful  failure  of  a small  paper  called  the  Toma- 
hawk-successful in  the  fact  that  it  had  given  him  a reputa- 
tion, a failure  from  the  financial  point  of  view— and  was  now 
regarded  as  worthy  of  his  great  American  opponent.  But  Mor- 
gan in  America  was  to  prove  a poor  investment.  More  academic 
than  Nast,  he  lacked  conviction  and  insight  and,  worst  of  all, 
humor.  Never  has  the  proverbial  ” English  lack  of  humor  ” 
been  more  conspicuously  exemplified  than  in  Morgan’s  Grant 
cartoons.  From  beginning  to  end  they  do  not  produce  a single 
laugh.  On  the  other  hand,  Nast’s  portrayals  of  Horace  Greeley, 
however  savage,  seldom  lacked  the  humorous  note. 

It  is  true  Morgan  had  the  weak  side  of  the  case.  Grant  was 


THOMAS  NAST 


■m 


CARLS  BOOMERANG 
I •MOfLO  RAT  i>v».%TiC4nc  (Pr^sicn)  Pir 


charged  with  enough  crimes  and  shortcomings  to  have  de- 
stroyed him  utterly,  but  they  were  only  charges,  and  had  a habit 

of  melting  into  impalpability 
under  the  light  of  investiga- 
tion, He  was  a despot.  He 
had  wilfully  made  cormj^t  ap- 
pointments and  shared  in  the 
profits  of  fraud.  lie  had 
abetted  the  sale  of  the  nation’s 
sur])lus  anus  to  agents  of 
the  French  Government  during 
the  Franco-Prussian  AVar — a 
charge  made  by  Schurz  and 
supported  by  Sumner.  He 
wanted  to  be  President  again,  perhaps  even  a third  time— 
Sumner  and  Schurz  found  it  necessary  to  prepare  a bill  restrict- 
ing the  presidential  period  to  one  temi  only.  He  owned  a stone 
quarry  in  Seneca,  New  York,  whence  large  quantities  of  stone 
for  govenmient  building  were  said  to  have  been  taken.  He 
had  appointed  countless  relatives  to  office,  and  was  therefore 
guilty  of  “ nepotism,”  a word  which  did  not  fail  to  find  place 
in  Sumner’s  classic  vocabulary.  He  was  accused  of  being 
fond  of  fast  horses  and  expensive  cigars.  AVorst  and  most 
heinous  offence  of  all,  it  was  said  that  he  drank  whiskey!  Sum- 
ner had  smelled  it  on  his  breath  that  eventful  night  of  the  San 
Domingo  quarrel.  It  was  the  same  charge  which  had  been  made 
against  him  during  the  war,  and  to  which  Lincoln,  who  never 
himself  touched  a drop  of  liquor,  had  replied:  ” AVell,  if  Grant 
drinks  whiskey,  I wish  some  of  the  other  generals  would  get 
hold  of  the  same  brand.” 

To  portray  Grant  as  a besotted  despot  in  the  midst  of  a satur- 
nalia was  hardly  convincing  to  those  who  had  followed  his 
march  from  Donelson  to  Appomattox,  and  under  his  administra- 


WASHINGTON  HONORS 


220 


tion  had  seen  the  national  debt  reduced  at  the  rate  of  nearly  one 
hundred  millions  a year.  Lacking  the  touch  of  humor,  such 
a picture  was  more  than  likely  to  become  a boomerang,  or  a 
lighted  grenade,  tossed  straight  into  the  air.  “ All  that  goes 
up  must  come  down,”  and  the  Grant  cartoons  by  Morgan  fell 
destructively  on  the  heads  of  those  who  had  given  them  flight. 

On  the  other  hand,  Horace  Greeley  was  accused  of  none  of 
these  sins.  It  was  unnecessary  to  charge  him  with  anything 
save  the  fact  that  he  had  not  remained  steadfast  in  his  faith 
and  works.  His  career  had  been  one  of  brilliant  vacillations 
and  distinguished  credulities.  His  own  printed  utterances,  re- 
printed categorically,  became  his  accusation  and  his  conviction. 
Adding  together  the  evidences  of  his  erratic  record,  his  eccen- 
tricities of  dress  and  manner,  his  own  fondness  for  fierce  invec- 
tive and  wordy  warfare,  with  the  further  addition  of  Xast’s 
unfailing  touch  of  humor,  and  the  Greeley  cartoons  were  bound 
to  become  the  effective  weapons  of  the  campaign.  Indeed,  if 
there  was  ever  an  ideal  subject  for  pictorial  satire  it  was  found 
in  the  person  and  career  of  Horace  Greeley.  It  has  been  charged 
against  Nast  that  he  assailed  a feeble  old  man.  On  the  con- 
trar>%  Greeley  was  not  yet  sixty-two  at  his  death,  and  certainly 
during  the  earlier  months  of  the  campaign  was  anything  but 
feeble.  Even  had  both  charges 
been  true  he  would  have  been  all 
the  more  unfit  for  the  high  office 
he  sought;  and,  always  unspar- 
ing in  his  own  warfare,  he  could 
hardly  have  hoi)cd  for  mercy  in 
return,  especially  as  Grant, 

Xast’s  hero,  was  continuously 
reviled  and  caricatured  as 
a drunkard,  a loafer,  and  a 
thief. 


TBG  BATTLB'CRT  OF  STnOTEK 
C 8.  *'Hrr«  cobm  MBroniiir 


CHAPTER  XXVII 

GRANT  AND  WILSON,  AND  GREELEY  AND  DROWN 

The  cartoons  of  Sclmrz,  Sumner  and  their  associates  con- 
tinued, becoming  more  drastic  with  each  issue.  Curtis  did  not 
protest  again,  and  presently  found  it  necessary  to  tighten  his 
editorial  strictures,  whether  from  his  own  inclinations  or  because 
of  urgent  hints  from  Franklin  Square  cannot  now  be  known. 
In  an  editorial  of  March  28  he  said: 

AVhen  Senator  Sclmrz  declared  that  the  Ceneral  Order  swindle 
was  sustained  by  a power  higher  than  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury, he  hinted  that  it  was  the  President,  because  he  is  the  only 
power  which,  in  that  sense,  is  higher  than  the  Secretary.  . . . 
Those  who  in  the  investigation  of  frauds  in  the  Administration 
seem  much  more  anxious  to  smear  the  President  than  to  punish 
guilty  agents,  ought  to  consider  whether  by  so  clear  an  exhibi- 
tion of  personal  animosity  they  do  not  harm  the  cause  of  simple, 
honest  reform. 

Nast  had  made  another  trip  to  Washington  earlier  in  the 
month,  and  while  there,  had  been  presented  to  Schurz,  who 
looked  down  with  sinister  contempt  on  the  little  man  before  him. 

“ You  will  not  be  allowed  to  continue  your  attacks  upon  me,” 
he  said  rather  fiercely. 

“ Why  not,  Senator?”  queried  Nast. 

Your  paper  will  not  penuit  them!” 

“ Oh,  T think  it  will,”  ventured  the  artist  pleasantly. 

♦ In  the  New  York  Ctistoni-liouse. 


GRANT  AND  WILSON,  AND  GREELEY  AND  BROWN  231 


CaPI.  ScKUHZ.  THE  BUVI 


“ "Well,  then,  I will  not!  ” declared  the  tall 
statesman  with  a threatening  air.  “ I shall 
publicly  chastise  you!  ” 

Nast  laughed  his  happy,  infectious  laugh, 
in  which  many  joined.  That  the  man  who  had 
defied  and  destroyed  the  Tweed  King,  with  its 
legions  of  bullies  and  thugs,  could  be  intimi- 
dated by  Senator  Schurz  perhaps  seemed  to 
them  humorous.  In  the  issue  with  the  Curtis 
editorial  above  noted  appeared  “ Carl  Schurz 
the  Brave  ” as  a “ Tower  of  Strength,”  the 
most  pronounced  caricature  thus  far  of  the 
]\rissouri  senator.  On  the  same  page  Roscoe 
Conkling,  as  ]\Iacduff,  the  fearless  defender  of 
Grant,  makes  his  first  appearance,  and  a little 
later  we  find  Schurz  as  Quixote,  fighting  the 
XL  S.  Windmill.  Logan  was  left  out  of  the 
cartoons  now,  or  appeared  very  dimly  in 
the  background,  sometimes  turning  his  back 
on  his  former  associates. 

Colonel  Chipman,  always  a faithful  friend 
of  Nast,  was  very  close  to  Grant  and  in  fre- 
quent letters  kept  the  artist  posted  as  to  the 
situation  at  the  capital.  In  one  of  these  the 
President  had  sent  word: 

Logan  is  all  right.  I remember  him  in  the 
field.  He  was  always  critical  and  fault-find- 
ing until  the  order  came  to  move.  Then  he 
was  in  the  front  rank  and  ready  to  charge. 
Logan  is  loyal. 

So  Logan  escaped  after  one  or  two  hard 
knocks,  hut  as  the  conventions  drew  nearer, 
Vhc TOWER  or  STRENGTH  dissentiiig  faction  grew,  and  its  members 

with  the  Democratic  leaders  were  combined  by  Nast  in  a motley 


232 


THOMAS  NAST 


assembly,  of  ■wliicli  Horace  Greeley  was  portrayed  as  gen- 
eral spokesman  and  chief.  Greeley,  as  ]\rr.  Pickwick,  ad- 
dressing a convention  of  disalfected  Republicans  and  a 
number  of  his  former  enemies,  including  Horatio  Reymour, 

“ Andy  ” Johnson 
a n d F e r n a n d o 


AVood,  was  a hu- 
morous summary  of 
“ liberal  ” political 
conditions. 


Colonel  Chipman 
was  a faithful  corre- 


spondent. Near  the 
end  of  March  he 


wrote : 


Your  last  pictures 
are  excellent.  I fell 
in  with  the  Presi- 
dent this  morning 
during  bis  moniing 
M’alk,  He  says  you 
are  not  only  a gen- 
ius but  one  of  the 
greatest  wits  in  the 
countiy.  He  says 
your  pictures  are 
full  of  fine  humor. 

I am  glad  you  are 

THE  ONLY  “ emergencies”  M E NEED  FEAR  (?)  WOl’king  Oil  tllO  Su- 

Don  Carlos  Quixote  and  Sancho  Tiptoe  Panza  on  “the  Path  of  Duty”  ppcmC  (^OUl’t  ])icturO. 

The  fact  is,  (David) 

Davis,  Field  and  Chief  Justice  Chase  are  really  the  only  members 
that  have  the  fever  at  all.  Nelson  would  have,  but  he  is  too  old 
now. 

I spoke  of  your  idea  to  Judge  Atiller;  he  thinks  it  excellent, 
but  he  hopes  he  will  not  be  brought  out  as  a President-seeker, 
as  he  surely  is  not.  He  is  a sturdy,  straight-out  Grant  man 
and  Kejuiblican,  with  no  ambition  beyond  the  Bench,  and  with 
fair  outlook  for  the  Chief  Justiceship  in  Chase’s  place.  I infer 


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234 


THOMAS  NAST 


THE  PRESIDENTIAL  rE\'ER  ON  THE  SUPREME  BENCH. 

**Mark  but  my  fb)l.  »nd  that  that  roin'd  m<v 
Judse  £>a«iit,  1 cbargo  th<<e,  Aine  awajr  atnbltloQS 
By  that  atn  fell  th«  anoala:  bow  oan  man,  than. 

The  image  of  hia  Xfaker,  hope  to  win  by't  P~~fle>npn>a 

CHIEF  JUSTICE  CHASE  ADMONISHES  JUDGE  DAVID  DAVIS 
UPON  HIS  PRESIDENTIAL  AMBITION 


Greeley’s  con- 
duct is  now  worth 
studyinp;.  Ilis 
daily  twistings  and 
turnings. 

Yon  are  looked  for 
weekly  as  the  political  sensation  we  are  to  have.  . . . 

The  Democrats  rely  a good  deal  on  Morgan,  hut  T think  the  taste 
of  intelligent  people  will  reject  the  coarse  in  caricature  as  it  will 
in  writing. 

The  Democrats  and  Liberal  Lepuhlicans  go  there  (to  Leslie’s) 
for  comfort  and  to  solace  themselves  after  your  batteries  have 
fired. 


from  your  not  asking  any  points  that  you  have  all  the  infonna- 
tion  you  want  on  these  details. 

Did  you  see  what  Greeley  said  of  you  the  other  day,  editori- 
ally? Speaking  of  Ilaqier’s  he  spoke  of  you  as  the  “ blackguard 
of  the  paper,  paid  to  defame,  etc.,  etc.”  The  Patriot  has  a 

mean  attack  on 
Harper,  Curtis  and 
Nast,  and  quotes 
the  Tribune,  so  you 
see  you  catch  it  all 
around. 

I infer  that 
Greeley  gives  up 
the  Phila.  Conven- 
tion to  Grant.  So 
far  as  I can  dis- 
cover, the  Cin. 
movement  does  not 
strengthen. 

I have  very  little 
gossip  to  send  you. 


Again  in  April, 
General  Chipman 
wrote  to  Nast: 


And  once  more: 

Just  now  you  must  expect  severe  criticism.  Keep  a stiff 
u])i)er  li))  and  follow  your  instincts,  so  unerring  as  they  are, 
and  you  will  not  go  far  wrong.  . . . MTien  I state  facts  you 
may  rely  upon  them  but  my  conclusions  will  be  open  to  review. 


GRAM'  AND  IflLROX,  AM)  GREELEY  AND  BROWN  235 


. . . It  is  a perilous  thing  to  furnish  animuiiition  to  so  dan- 

gerous a gunner  as  you  are. 

Perhaps  an  extract  from  a long  editorial  in  the  Brookljui 
Eagle,  entitled  “ Harper’s  Picturescpie  Insults  ” (March  22), 
will  convey  an  idea  of  the  feeling  of  the  press  on  both  sides 
concerning  Nast’s  cartoons  at  this  time: 

They  do  not  stir  action,  affect  settled  religious  or  political 
conviction,  or  influence  a man’s  business,  ballot,  or  other  tangi- 
bilities. The  prevailing,  gushing  idolatry  of  them  is  as  shallow 
as  to  quote,  in  an  age  of  Wall  Street  and  steamship,  “ Let  me 
write  the  ballads  of  a Nation  and  I care  not  who  writes  its 


laws.” 


It  will  be  seen  that  the  “ Campaign  of  Caricature,”  or  the 
“ Battle  of  the  Artists,”  as  it 
was  variously  called,  was  al- 
ready under  way  before  the 
leaders  were  officially  chosen. 

It  seems  unnecessary  that 
we  should  enter  into  the  de- 
tails of  the  several  national 
conventions.  That  of  the  Lib- 
eral Kepubl leans  * was  called 
for  the  1st  of  May,  and  “ Rob- 
inson Crusoe  ” Sumner  being 


O "FfTT'RJl  Iv  llis  ixTllTl  *'8c«cm  *»o  ««  Vot»  n*  ‘CAitiin  w un  Pocht.’  — Senctar  SCKClu  COM  U»  New 

lyj  IV  ^ 4 110  X4X  < 4 XX  I0«»iioo,  tptmk  «t  ib«  Cooper  Innituu,  • pert  of  ibe  pUn  lo 

BMt  end  tarry  ibe  Gennea  *ou  and  aenttBeni  of  the  couatT7  to  the  eappori  of  the  Cinansaii 

Friday”  (the  colored  j^an), 

to  embark  on  the  boat  bound  for  Cincinnati,  was  one  of  the  car- 
toons incident  to  the  event. 

Horace  Greeley,  who,  in  his  paper,  had  pledged  himself  to  the 
support  of  the  regular  Republican  candidate,  “ whether  the 
present  incumbent  or  some  other  nominee,”  a little  later,  as  New 
York  member  of  the  National  Reimblican  Committee,  had  re- 
fused to  sign  a call  for  the  regular  Republican  convention.  He 


* The  so-called  Liberal  'Repnhliean  nioveinent  began  with  a convention  held  at 
Jefferson  City,  ^lo.,  January,  1872. 


236 


THOMAS  NAST 


had  not,  however,  hesitated  to  sign  a call  for  this  most  irregular 
meeting,  which  had  no  plan,  no  delegates,  and  no  definite  prin- 
ciples not  embodied  in  the  combined  motto  and  war-cry,  “ Any- 
thing to  Beat  Grant!” 

The  assembly  convened  at  Cincinnati,  May  1 — 3,  and  after 
selecting  Carl  Schnrz  as  permanent  president,  and  agreeing  to 
disagree  on  a most  important  issue— the  tariff— it  proceeded  to 
choose  Horace  Greeley  and  Govenior  B.  Gratz  Brown,  of  Mis- 
souri, as  its  nominees.  Later  in  the  day,  it  is  said,  Schurz 
expressed  his  disgust  with  American  politics,  and  followed  by  a 

few  sympathizers 
retired  to  a friend ’s 
house,  where,  being 
a skilled  musician, 
he  gave  vent  to  his 
true  feelings  on  the 
piano,  while  the 
assembled  guests 
shed  tears.  The 
“ Liberal  IMoun- 
tain  ” that  had 
rocked  and  groaned 
and  l)rought  forth 
a mouse,  was 
Nast’s  character- 
ization of  the  re- 
sult, and  through- 
out the  Bepublican 
ranks,  on  every 
hand  there  was  a 
wide  smile  of 
amusement  at  the 


WILL  ROBINSON  CRUSOE  (sUMNER)  FORSAKE  HIS  MAN  FRIDAY? 
Tliii  boat’s  crew  that  is  going  over 


assembly ’s  choice. 


GRANT  AND  WILSON,  AND  GREELEY  AND  BROWN  237 


For  Horace  Greeley,  lionored  though  he  was,  was  beloved 
rather  for  the  lack  than  the  possession  of  those  qualities  which 
are  supposed  to  be  - 

the  necessary  attrib- 
utes of  a good  Pres- 
ident. Curtis  never 
wrote  a truer  line 
tlian  when  he  said: 

If  there  is  one 
quality  which  is  in- 
dispensable to  a 
l^resident  it  is  sound 
judgment.  If  there 
is  one  public  man 
who  is  totally  desti- 
tute of  it,  it  is  Hor- 
ace Greeley. 

It  was  Horace 
Greeley’s  dogmatic 
and  radical  eaniest- 
ness  in  any  position 
.that  he  assumed,  his 
sudden  and  staitling 
changes  of  base,  his 
frequent  yieldings 
to  impulse  and  ten-  '‘gueat  expectations” 

**  A (Mud)  Mountain  \va»  once  greatly  agitated.  Loud  Groans  and  Noises 
derness  of  heart,  his  were  lieard  ; ami  crowds  of  People  came  from  all  Parts  to  see  what  was  the 

Matter.  After  long  expectation  and  many  wise  conjectures  from  the  by- 
S 1 ni  })  1 G C r G (.1 11 1 i t V , Standors,  out  popped  a— JI/ohsc  I ” 

and,  with  it  all,  his  brilliant  editorial  performances,  that  had 
won  for  him  the  fondness,  rather  than  the  trust,  of  the  American 
IDeople. 

Easily  the  leading  journalist  at  a time  when  editors  were 
greater  than  their  papers,  Horace  (treeley’s  personal  following 
was  a vast  multitude  throughout  the  land.  That  he  should  have 
mistaken  this  popularity  for  political  allegiance  is  not  strange. 


2:58 


THOMAS  NAST 


coiisideniig  liis  eontimioiis  pursuit  of  iml)lic  office,  wliich  ap- 
parently rendered  liini  ol)livious  to  tlie  innnutable  la-vvs  of  cause 
and  effect.  He  had  dissolved  the  “ firm  of  Seward,  Weed  and 
Oreeley  ” because,  as  he  acknowledged,  he  felt  that  he  stood  a 

better  chance  of  official  recog- 
nition alone,  lie  had  eagerly 
seized  upon  any  office,  small  or 
large,  that  came  within  his 
reach.  The  possibility  of  being 
selected  as  a candidate  for  the 
Presidency,  by  any  party  what- 
soever, was  calculated  to  make 
him  forget  that  his  record,  bril- 
liant though  it  had  been,  was 
such  as  to  make  his  election  a 
miracle  not  likely  to  occur. 

For  though  a fierce  and  avowed  champion  of  right,  as  he 
saw  it,  ]\Ir.  Greeley  had  been  unfortunate  in  not  being  able  to 
maintain  a steadfast  point  of  view.  Beginning  as  a Henry  Clay 
protectionist  Whig,  he  had  remained  with  that  party  even  after 
it  had  accepted  the  Fugitive  Slave  Law  and  the  Compromise 
of  1850.  Later  he  had  become  a powerful  element  of  the  Aboli- 
tion IMovement,  but  in  the  early  days  of  Secession  he  had  been 
willing  to  let  the  dissatisfied  States  “ go  in  peace.”  Subse- 
quently he  was  denouncing  the  Confederacy — its  soldiers,  its 
citizens  and  its  women— exasperating  Lincoln  with  the  cn"  of 
“ On  to  Pichmond,”  and  with  a demand  for  immediate  emanci- 
pation of  the  slaves.  Still  later  we  see  him  blundering  into  the 
disgraceful  Niagara  Peace  Conference,  disobeying  Lincoln’s 
positive  orders  and  putting  the  President  in  a false  attitude 
before  the  nation.  When  the  Confederate  Anny  entered  Penn- 
sylvania, he  had  been  for  fighting  one  battle  and  surrendering 
everything  if  the  Union  forces  were  beaten.  Again  in  the  dark- 


HURRAH  FOR  HORACE  GREEDEY  FOR 
PRESIDENT 


GRANT  AND  WILSON.  AND  GREELEY  AND  BROWN  239 

est  hour  of  the  war  he  had  declared  in  favor  of  making  peace  at 
any  financial  cost,  and  in  18G4,  after  Lincoln  was  nominated,  he 
had  signed  a letter  to  the  loyal  governors,  substantially  asking 
why  Lincoln  should  not  be  set  aside  and  a new  candidate  chosen. 
In  the  matter  of  finance  he  had  been  ever  full  of  schemes,  vis- 
ionary, experimental  and  rash.  His  record  was  that  of  a turbu- 
lent and  disordered  career. 

It  is  no  longer  considered  good  taste  to  question  JSIr.  Greeley’s 
motives.  Plis  shortcomings  are  ascribed  to  gentleness  of  heart, 
impulsive  action  and  errors  of  judgment.  Careful  examination 
of  the  evidence  may  not  always  convince  the  impartial  historian 
of  the  justice  of  these  conclusions.  But  admitting  all  the  virtues 
claimed,  and  denying  all  the  calumny  ever  charged,  it  must 
be  acknowledged  to-day  that  Horace  Greeley  was  the  last  man 
in  public  life  to  be  selected  by  any  party  as  its  presidential  can- 
didate. 

The  first  to  congratulate  Mr.  Greeley  on  his  nomination  was 
Colonel  AViliam  F.  Church  and  John  Swinton. 

“ This  is  all  Tom  Nast’s  work,”  declared  Greeley,  shaking 
hands. 

His  idea  was  that,  Nast  having  made  sport  of  his  candidacy, 
the  Convention  had  vindicated  him  before  the  peoi)le. 

That  the  personality  of  Governor  Brown  did  not  appear  in 
the  cartoons  which  followed  was  at  first  due  to  the  fact  that  no 
photograph  of  the  Missouri  candidate  could  be  procured.  When 
another  week  went  by  and  the  photograph  had  not  been  obtained, 
Xast  was  at  his  wits’  end  to  represent  the  Vice-Presidential 
candidate,  in  a picture  of  the  “ old  white  hat  and  coat.”  At  the 
last  moment  he  put  a tag  labelled  ” Gratz  Brown  ” on  the  tail  of 
the  sacred  emblem.  The  popularity  of  this  cartoon  showed  that 
the  makeshift  had  made  a hit.  Brown’s  photograph  was  no 
longer  sought.  The  tag  on  the  old  coat  represented  him  through- 


240 


THOMAS  NAST 


WILLIAM  TELL  WILL  NOT  SUUUENDEU  OK  BOW  TO  THE 
OLD  HAT 

(It  was  in  this  cartoon  that  the  vice-prcsidentiai  candidate  was  attached 
as  a tag  to  Greeley’s  coat) 

fairest  tributes  ever  laid  on  a dead  man’s 
last,  and  editorially  chastised  liis  friend. 


out  the  campaign, 
much  to  the  Mis- 
souri man’s  humil- 
iation. 

The  Republican 
National  Conven- 
tion assembled  at 
Philadelphia  on 
June  5th.  On  the 
Friday  preceding. 
Cliarles  Sumner 
had  aimed  his  final 
shaft  at  Ulysses 
Grant.  For  four 
hours  lie  had  ar- 
raigned the  Pres- 
ident in  a speech 
that  has  no  parallel 
in  the  annals  of 
public  denuncia- 
tion. Even  Curtis, 
who  loved  Sumner, 
and  whose  eulogy 
of  him  is  one  of  the 
grave,  gave  way  at 


lie  (Sumner)  said  all  that  anybody  ever  said  and  more. 
No  charge  escaped  him.  He  depicted  the  iiatriot  whom  all  men 
know,  and  the  Chief  Magistrate  who  has  given  us  peace  and 
security,  as  a monster  of  ignorance,  indolence,  lawlessness  and 
incapacity,  whose  infiuence  is  ])ernicious  in  the  highest  degree, 
and  whose  example  degrades  the  youth  of  the  land.  The  rejily 
of  the  Reiiublican  party  was  the  renomination  of  the  President 
with  enthusiastic  unanimity  by  one  of  the  most  intelligent  con- 
ventions ever  assembled  in  the  country.  ISo  wholly  unjust  is  the 


GRAM'  AND  WILSON,  AND  GREELEY  AND  BROWN  2il 


spirit  of  Mr.  Sunmer’s  speech  that  it  may  be  truly  said  not  to 
represent  accurately  a single  fact. 

Judge  Settle,  of  North  Carolina,  presided  at  the  Republican 
Convention,  and  Grant’s  nomination  was  made  without  a single 
dissenting  vote.  Senator  Henry  Wilson,  of  Massachusetts,  was 
then  selected  for  the  Vice-Presidency,  and  the  old-line  Republi- 


can party  was  ready  for  the  campaign. 

The  Democratic  Convention  went  into  session  at  Baltimore  on 


July  0,  and  ratified  the  Cincinnati  nominations.  It  was  strongly 
Confederate  in  tone 
— an  assembly  of 
the  elements  which 
Horace  Greeley  for 
a y>eriod  of  years 
had  denounced  in 
the  severest  terms 
he  knew.  Generals 
Gordon,  Harde- 
man, Fitz-Hugh 
Lee  and  many 
other  Secession 
leaders  were  there. 

Governor  Hoffman, 
who  in  his  annual 
message  had  ex- 
ecrated and  repu- 
diated the  Ring  of 
which  he  had  been 
the  figure-head,  led 
the  delegation 
from  New  York, 
and  good  Tam- 
m a n y and  bad 


THE  LAST  SHOT  OF  THE  HONOUABLE  SENATOR  FROM 
MASSACHUSETTS — HE  PULLED  THE  LONG  BOW  ONCE 
TOO  OFTEN 

(Nast’s  caricature  of  Sumner  after  the  violent  speech  against  Grant) 


THOMAS  NAST 


U2 


Tammany,  the  white  slieep  and  the  black,  gathered  to  Mr. 
Clreeley’s  fold. 

In  its  desire  for  a President  — in  its  eagerness  to  do  “ any- 
thing to  beat  Grant  ”■ — the  convention  was  willing  to  go  to  the 
limits  of  stultification.  Not  only  did  it  accept  Horace  Greeley  as 
its  candidate,  hnt  it  indorsed  the  “ enfranchisement  of  the 
negro;  ” the  “ equality  of  all  men  before  the  law  it  remem- 
bered “ with  gratitude  the  heroism  and  sacrifices  of  the  soldiers 

and  sailors  of  the  Kepublic  ” ; 
it  avowed  that  the  Democratic 
party  should  never  “ detract 
from  their  justly  earned  fame, 
nor  withhold  the  full  reward  of 
their  patriotism  it  de- 
nounced “ repudiation  in  every 
form  and  guise.”  In  a word, 
the  convention  was  ready  to 
demolish  the  existing  Demo- 
cratic faith,  pillar  and  comer- 
“ DROP  ’em  ! ” stone,  for  the  possibility  of  aid- 

ing in  the  election  of  a man  who  had  applied  to  most  of  its 
delegates  every  opprobious  epithet  known  to  the  English 
tongue. 

And  Horace  Greeley  promptly  accepted  their  nomination  and 
became  the  leader  of  legions  he  had  formerly  reviled  to  the 
limits  of  his  forceful  idiom— to  the  extremes  of  his  marvellous 
vocabulary.  His  position  was  only  equalled  by  that  of  Charles 
Sumner,  who,  as  one  adding  a final  evidence  of  mental  disorder, 
now  came  foi’AAmrd  with  an  open  letter  addressed  to  certain 
colored  voters,  advising  them  to  repudiate  Grant  and  Wilson 
and  cast  their  ballots  for  Greeley  and  Brown.  In  view  of  his 
life-long  devotion  to  the  cause  of  abolition;  the  bitter  section- 
alism and  race  prejudice  of  that  period;  the  fact  of  his  Civil 


GRANT  AND  WILSON.  AND  GREELEY  AND  BROWN  U3 


Rights  bill — the  idol  of  his  heart — then  ])eiuling,  and  certainly 
damned  before  a Democratic  Congress,  it  seems  i)Ositively  in- 
credible that  Charles  Sumner  in  his  right  mind  should  have  done 
this  thing. 

He  was  scored  by  Xast  as  a matter  of  course,  also  by  Curtis, 
though  the  latter  pleaded  that  the  Massachusets  Senator  might 
be  spared.  In  his  letter,  dated  August  1st,  Curtis  said: 

My  Dear  Nast: 

Since  "Webster’s  “ Seventh  of  IMarch  ” speech  nothing  in  our 
])olitical  history  has  seemed  to  me  so  sad  as  Mr.  Sumner’s  letter. 
He  is  iny  dear  friend,  a man  whose  service  to  the  country  and  to 
civilization  have  been  immense,  who  deserves  all  honor  and 
regard  from  all  honorable  men.  The  position  of  such  a man 
may  be  criticized  in  writing,  because  in  writing  perfect  respect 
may  be  preserved.  But  it  is  not  so  with  the  caricaturing 
pencil.  You  see  what  1 am  coming  to.  You  are  your  own  mas- 
ter, and  your  name  is  signed  to  your  work.  But  it  is  neverthe- 
less supi)Osed  that  1,  as  editor,  am  responsil)le  for  what  pains 
me  the  more  because  of  my  friendship  and  my  difference. 
Besides,  the  caricature  puts  a false  sense  upon  what  is  written, 
and  covers  the  expressions  of  the  most  sincere  regard  with  an 
appearance  of  insincerity.  There  are  thousands  of  good  men 
who  feel  as  I do  about  it,  and  I hope  that  your  friendship  for 
me  will  grant  my  request  that  you  will  not  introduce  Mr.  Sumner 
in  any  way  into  any  ])icture. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 

Just  why  Mr.  Sumner  should  have  been  spared  on  personal 
grounds,  as  against  the  nation’s  welfare,  is  not  clear.  Certainly 
such  an  argument  was  likely  to  avail  little  with  the  impetuous 
artist  in  the  midst  of  a fierce  campaign.  His  re]ily  to  Cuiffis  was 
to  the  effect  that  the  fact  of  Sumner’s  heroic  past,  and  the 
prestige  derived  therefrom,  made  the  Senator’s  present  attitude 
all  the  more  of  a menace  to  the  cause  of  right.  He  called  atten- 
tion to  the  fact  that  earlier,  Curtis  had  asked  that  he  should  not 
caricature  others  of  the  group  who  were  now,  as  they  had  been 
from  the  first.  Grant’s  bitter  enemies.  To  this  came  a reply  on 
August  22: 


244 


THOMAS  NAST 


My  Dear  Nast: 

I am  very  much  obliged  by  your  note.  I did  ask  you  not  to 
caricature  Sumner,  Greeley,  Scburz  and  Trumbull,  because  at 
that  time  I thought  it  was  bad  ])olicy— and  1 think  so  still! 

The  exact  difficulty  which  1 feel  is  this,  that  it  is  wrong  to 
represent  as  morally  contemptible  men  of  the  highest  character 
with  whom  you  })olitically  differ.  To  serve  up  Schurz  and  Sum- 
ner as  you  would  Tweed,  shows,  in  my  judgment,  lack  of  moral 
l)erception.  And  to  one  who  feels  as  I do  al)Out  those  men,  ami 
who  knows  that  he  is  about  right!  every  picture  in  which  you 
defame  them  is  a separate  j)ain.  There  is  a wide  distinction 
between  a good-humored  laugh  and  a moral  denunciation. 

You  are  veiy  good  to  have  answered  me  at  all.  I know  how 
I differ  from  you  and  from  our  friends  in  Franklin  Square  upon 
this  point,  and  I have  wished  only  to  free  my  conscience  by 
protesting.  I shall  not  trouble  you  any  more,  and  I am, 

Verj"  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 

Yet  at  this  time  Nast  was  saying  with  his  pencil  almost  pre- 
cisely what  Curtis  was  saying  with  his  pen.  The  difference  was, 
that  the  editorial,  to  Curtis,  was  a sort  of  inductive  mode  of  war- 
fare, with  due  preliminaries  and  approaches,  whereas  the  car- 
toon came  as  a sudden  and  unqualified  blow.  To  Curtis  the  car- 
toon was  not  a gentleman’s  weapon,  at  least  not  a weapon  to 
be  used  on  gentlemen.  That  he  could  distinguish  no  difference 
between  Nast’s  methods  of  treating  Sumner  and  Tweed  would 
indicate  that  his  own  “ moral  perception  ” was  more  delicate 
than  his  visual  discernment.  Like  the  bomb  and  the  bayonet,  the 
cartoon  to  him  seemed  brutal.  But  great  battles  are  not  fought 
with  the  single-stick  or  even  the  rapier,  and  “ those  vile  guns  ” 
have  persuaded  many  a man  not  to  be  a soldier.* 

Sumner  abandoned  the  campaign  and  hurried  away  to  Europe 

♦ In  one  of  the  pictures  Nast  cartooned  Sumner  as  strewing  flowers  on  the  grave 
of  “Bully”  Brooks.  As  satire  this  was  a failure,  for  it  eonveyed  the  Massachusetts 
Senator’s  real  spirit  of  forgiveness  for  the  man  who  had  struck  him  down.  Sumner, 
when  shown  the  picture,  regarded  it  sadly. 

“ What  have  I to  do  with  Brooks  now  1 ” he  said.  “ It  was  not  he,  but  slavery, 
that  struck  the  blow.” 


GRANT  AND  WILSON,  AND  GREELEY  AND  lUWWN  245 


for  rest.  That  the  blow  of  “ Bully  ” Brooks,  more  than  a quar- 
ter of  a century  before,  had  left  its  mark  and  shadow  upon  that 
sj^lendid  intelligence  can  scarcely  be  doubted.  Yet,  even  had  this 
been  realized  at  the  moment,  it  could  not  have  been  considered 
as  a reason  for  failing  to  combat  a pernicious  doctrine,  which 
must  be  crushed  all  the  more  promptly  and  surely  because  of 
the  fair  name  and  far-reaching  influence  of  its  advocate. 


AWOHtS-V  w 

Vl\  <Wl? 


“played  out!” 


CllAPTKK  XXVJir 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CAltICATT’RE 


j\reantime  the  conflict  was  at 
its  height.  Upon  his  nomination, 
i\Ir.  Greeley  had  promptly  sur- 
rendered the  editorship  of  the 
Tribune  to  'Whitelaw  Eeid,  and 
declaring  that  his  paper  was  no 
longer  a “ party  organ  ” had  set 
about  the  business  of  politics. 
Xast  cartooned  him  as  holding 
out  the  “ New  York  Trombone,” 
announcing  vigorously  in  his 
characteristic  phraseology  that  the  instrument  “was  not  an  or- 
gan.” Yet,  despite  his  withdrawal,  the  Tribune  did  not  fail  to 
bear  the  marks  of  iMr.  Greeley’s  personality,  and  with  the  Sun 
and  the  World,  and  such  Democratic  jounials  as  had  not  repudi- 
ated the  choice  of  the  Baltimore  Convention— with  Leslie’s  as 
their  pictorial  exhibit— they  made  whatever  fight  was  possible 
for  their  candidate.  The  World,  it  is  true,  had  at  first  declared 
against  Greeley;  and  it  must  have  given  joy  to  General  Frank 
Blair  to  see  Manton  IMarhle,  who  had  been  for  throwing  him 
(Blaii-)  overboard  four  years  before,  now  turned  Sinhad,  with 
an  “ old  man  of  the  sea  ” on  his  shoulders. 


what’s  in  a name  ? 

Whoever  calls  this  an  “organ”  is  “a  liar,  a 
villain,  and  a scoundrel  ” 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CARICATURE 


247 


Of  the  daily  papers  in  New 
York  City,  the  Times  led  the 
campaign  for  Grant,  seconded 
hy  the  Commercial  Advertiser 
and  other  regular  Kepublicaii 
jounials.  The  Post,  though  it 
had  criticised  the  Administra- 
tion, also  fell  into  line.  Even  the 
Herald  accorded  a lukewarm 
support,  for  which,  it  did  not 
hesitate  to  sa)%  it  expected  to 

“SOMETHING  THAT  WILL  BLOW  OVER  ” ^ , , , . , 

dictate  Grant  s cabinet  policy  in 

event  of  his  elec- 
tion. 

But  it  was  dis- 
tinctly a campaign 
of  caricature  — the 
first  great  battle  of 
pictures  ever  known 
in  America.  Mor- 
gan portrayed  Grant 
more  besotted  and 
more  villainouswith 
each  issue  of  Les- 
lie’s, and  each  week 
Ilaqier’s  showed 
some  new  incon- 
sistency in  Mr. 

Greeley’s  political 

. , One  of  the  least  severe  of  the  5f organ  cartoons  against  Grant 

' WEIGHED  IN  THE  BALANCE  AND  FOUND  WANTING 

For  the  most  part  U.  S.  O.:  “Wcll,  whoM  have  thoncht  tliat  tlie  old  white  hat.  hoots  and 
^ axe  would  have  more  weight  than  all  these  liangers-on  of  mine  I ’’ 

the  Nast  pictures,  in  (President  Grant  depicted  as  an  intoxicated  military 

tyrant,  with  Secretary  Fish,  Senator  Morton,  “Boss” 
the  beginning,  were  tweed  and  others  as  hangers-on) 


248 


THOMAS  NAST 


not  bitter.  Greeley  the  editor  hurrahing  for  Greeley  the  nom- 
inee—Greeley  as  Mazeppa— Greeley  trying  to  carry  off  Grant’s 
shoes — Greeley’s  white  hat  and  coat  on  a pole,  storm-tossed  and 
labelled  “ Something  That  Will  Blow  Over  ’’—Greeley  splitting 
the  Ueniocratic  Log— Greeley  as  the  Trojan  Horse  in  which 
Democracy  is  trying  to  enter  Washington— these  were  at  once 
good-natured  and  humorous  pictures  at  which  the  sage  himself 
might  have  laughed.  But  the  picture  battle  did  not  end  here. 
Morgan’s  portrayals  of  the  President  became  more  scurrilous. 
Grant  as  Belshazzar— Grant  leering  and  sodden  on  his  throne— 
Grant  as  drunken  Jeremy  Diddler,  dancing  before  Tweed- 
Grant  as  an  embezzler  more  than  ten  times  as  great  as  the 
“ Boss  ” — Grant  arrested  as  a drunken  malefactor  by  the 
Tribune  and  the  Sun — such  pictures  as  these  did  not  tend  to 
temper  the  pencil  of  Nast,*  and  presently  we  find  Wliitelaw 
Peid  grinding  the  “ Organ  ” and  Horace  Greeley  as  a monkey 
collecting  votes  from  the  assembled  Democrats  of  Tammany, 
new  and  old.  As  Mr.  Greeley’s  continuous  ])erfonnance  in  at- 
tempting to  justify,  or  deny,  or  apologize  for  his  past  record, 
furnished  daily  matter  for  the  amusement  columns,  this  j)icture 
was  pretty  generally  applauded  and  but  slightly  condemned, 
even  by  the  “ Liberal  ” press.  But,  such  cartoons  as  Greeley 
shaking  hands  with  the  Baltimore  rough,  over  the  fallen  soldiers 
of  the  Sixth  IMassachusetts— Greeley  joining  hands  with  the 
worst  element  of  Irish  Pomanism— “ Old  Honesty  ” marshalling 
his  anny  of  jail-birds  and  “ Ping  ” associates— (anything  to 
beat  Grant)— these  brought  down  upon  Harper’s  Weekly  and 
the  head  of  Nast  a fierce  outburst  of  condemnation  from  every 
anti-Grant  journal  and  voter  in  the  land.  Letters,  papers  and 
clippings  poured  in,  demanding,  threatening  and  pleading.  Dig- 
nified journals  sought  to  divert  Nast  by  praising  his  fonner 

* Koscoe  Conkling,  Grant’s  foremost  “ champion  in  the  field,”  characterized  the 
struggle  as  a “ campaign  of  hate.” 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CARICATURE 


249 


ANY  THING  TO  GKT  IN 

YOU  can’t  play  THE  OLD  TROJAN  HORSE  GAME  ON  UNCLE  SAM 


work  and  iiointing  out  Ins  mistake  in  “ holding  up  to  ridicule 
and  condemnation  a man  so  widely  respected  as  Horace 
CJreeley.”  A letter  came  suggesting  that  the  “ Irish  vote 

was  likely  to  he  alienated  ” hy  ijitroducing  “ Pat  ” into 
the  pictures.  Fletcher  Harper  forwarded  this  letter  to  Nast  with 
a note  of  indorsement  on  the  hack : 


250 


THOMAS  NAST 


If  it  is  right  to  hit  “ Pat,”  hit  him  hard.  Our  paper  is  run 
for  the  good  of  our  country.  It  is  7iot  a party  organ.  8o  go 
ahead.  F.  Ilaiijer. 

To  Professor  Nast. 

Curiously  enough  none  of  these  documents  of  protest  found 
anything  to  condemn  in  the  mendacious  editorials  and  libellous 
caricatures  that  were  daily  and  weekly  directed  against  the 
serene  soldier  who  had  led  the  nation’s  annies  to  victor}'.  They 
pointed  to  Horace  Creeley’s  “ splendid  record  ” and  reviled 
Nast  as  a blackguard  and  Hai'i:)er’s  AVeekly  as  a “ Journal  of 
Degradation.” 

So  Nast  took  up  the  record  of  Horace  Greeley,  as  shown  by 
editorial  expressions  from  his  own  paper.  “ Another  Feather 
in  His  Hat  ” dei)icted  the  Sage  adding  the  “ Cincinnati  Nomina- 
tion ” to  a collection  of  other  plumes,  among  which  were 
“ Peaceable  Secession,  1860,”  “ On  to  Pichmond,  1861,” 
“ Peace  Negotiations  at  Niagara,  1862,”  “ Down  with  Lincoln, 
1864,”  “ Bailing  Jeff.  Davis,  1865,”  and  “ Anything  to  Beat 
Grant,  1872.” 

But  this  was  mild.  In  a single  issue  there  were  three  terrible 
exhibits.  The  first,  a front  page,  shoAved  Greeley  in  charge  of  a 
whipping-post,  swinging  the  Tribune  cat-o ’-nine-tails  and  brand- 
ing “ thief,”  ‘‘  liar,”  “ convict,”  and  “ hlack-leg,”  (his  own 
words,  formerly  applied  to  Democrats,)  on  the  hare  hacks  of 
those  Avhose  suffrage  he  now  sought.  The  second  i)icture,  also 
a full  page,  entitled  “ Bringing  the  Thing  Home,”  showed 
Greeley  gloating  over  the  ruin  of  Southern  firesides,  and,  under- 
neath, this  extract: 

'When  the  rebellious  traitors  are  overwhelmed  in  the  field, 
and  are  scattered  like  leaves  before  an  angry  wind,  it  must  not 
be  to  retuni  to  peaceful  and  contented  homes.  They  must  find 
})overty  at  their  firesides,  and  see  ])rivation  in  the  anxious  eyes 
of  mothers  and  the  rags  of  children. 

By  some  mischance  the  date  of  this  cruel  expression— cruel 
indeed  for  one  reputed  as  a tender-hearted  man — was  put  down 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CARICATURE 


251 


as  November  26,  1860.  Imme- 
diately the  Tribune  published 
a scornful  denial.  Fatal  step! 

Both  the  Times  and  Ilarjier’s 
"Weekly  promptly  looked  up  the 
true  date  (May  1,  1861),  the 
picture  was  immediately  re- 
printed as  a campaii^n  docu- 
ment, and  upon  its  back  four 
columns  of  other  damning  ex- 
tracts. The  third  exhibit  of  this 

, , . p TT  . ANOTHER  FEATHER  IN  HIS  HAT 

memorable  issue  ot  Harper  s 

Weekly  was  a small  picture  on  the  back  page,  entitled  ‘‘  Red 
ITot!  ” and  depicted  Greeley  eating  a porridge  of  “ ]\Iy  Own 
"Words  and  Deeds.”  And  this  also,  with  three  others,  was  re- 
published in  a pamphlet,  entitled  “ Greeley  Illustrated,”  with 
still  another  series  of  the  8age’s  unfortunate  utterances,  includ- 
ing his  famous  declaration  conceniing  the  Democratic  party: 

]\lay  it  be  written  on  my  grave  that  I never  was  its  follower, 
and  lived  and  died  in  nothing  its  debtor. 

In  another  jilace: 

A purely  selfish  interest  attaches  the  lewd,  niffianly,  criminal 

and  dangerous  classes  to  the 
Democratic  party. 

And  still  farther  along: 
What  I demand  is  proof 
that  the  Southeni  people 
really  desire  separation  from 
the  Free  States.  "Whenever 
assured  that  such  is  their  set- 
tled wish,  I shall  joiff idly  co- 
operate icdh  them  to  secure 
the  end  they  seek. 

The  last  sentiment  had  been 
expressed  as  late  as  January, 
1861,  and  there  were  columns 


RED  hot!” 


253 


THOMAS  NAST 


more  of  a similar 
nature.  Tlie  drag- 
on’s teeth  which 
Horace  Greeley  had 
been  so  long  and 
industriously  sow- 
ing had  come  to  a 
ripe  and  ruinous 
haiwest. 

It  was  not  con- 
demnation alone 
that  Nast  received 
for  his  telling  war- 
fare. Scores  and 
hundreds  of  letters 
of  commendation 
poured  in  upon 

“WHAT  ARE  YOU  GOING  TO  DO  ABOUT  IT,”  IF  “OLD  hilll.  Gl'aHtpaperS 
HONESTY  ” LETS  HIM  LOOSE  AGAIN?  ... 

rejoiced  and  sang 

his  jiraises.  Every  jounial  in  the  land  printed  column  editorials 
for  or  against  him,  comparing  his  work  with  that  of  Morgan,  ac- 
cording to  their  lights  and  political  convictions.  General  Horace 
Porter,  then  private  secretary  to  Grant,  wrote  him  from  Long 
Branch,  “ Your  pictures  of  (ireeley  liranding  the  Democrats,  and 
of  the  starvation  of  mothers  and  rags  of  children,  ought  to  he 
in  the  hands  of  every  Southern  white  man.” 

In  October,  Colonel  Chipman,  who  had  just  been  reelected  to 
his  seat,  wrote: 


IMy  majority  of  5,400  was  a great  triumph. 

Speaking  of  Grant,  I called  there  yesterday— Wednesday. 
The  conversation  turned  on  the  means  of  electioneering  and  he 
asked  me  if  I had  seen  the  last  Harper’s.  He  went  into  his 
bedroom  and  brought  out  your  ” Tidal  Wave.”  He  said  he  was 
with  you  and  your  pictures  like  the  fellow  who  travelled  with 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CARICATURE  253 


the  menagerie  because  he  knew  that  some  day  tlie  lion  would 
bite  the  man’s  head  off  and  he  wanted  to  be  there  to  see.  The 
President  said  he  hoped  never  to  see  you  break  down,  but  he 
felt  your  sendees  had  been  so  great  and  your  genius  so  uu- 
]>recedented  that  he  was  looking  weekly  to  see  you  fall  off  in 
])Ower,  but  that  you  got  better  and  better. 

The  campaign  of  caricature  ravaged  on.  Each  week  Morgan 
strove  to  rise  to  new  heights  of  vilification — each  week  Nast 
produced  more  of  the  blighting  testimony  from  Greeley’s  own 
})en,  illustrated  in  a manner  more  savage  and  more  scathing. 
Greeley  whitewashing  the  Tammany  Tiger  (an  idea  used  many 
times  since) — Gree- 
ley with  the  sacred 
white  hat  and  coat 
covering  the  ‘ ‘ Mon- 
ument of  Infamy  ” 
erected  by  his  for- 
mer enemies — Gree- 
ley clasping  hands 
across  the  wide 
grave-fields  of  An- 
dersonville,  the 
‘‘Bloodiest  of 
Chasms  ” — Greeley 
clasping  hands  with 
the  Shade  of  Wilkes 
Booth  over  the 
grave  of  Lincoln: 
pictorial  ferocity 
could  go  no  further, 
and  the  terrible 
shots  did  not  fail  of 
their  mark — the  po- 

THE  -milTED  SEPULCHRE.  COVERI?CG  THE  MONUMENT  OP 

litical  apostasy  inf.vmy  with  his  white  hat  and  coat 


254 


THOMAS  NAST 


of  Horace  Greeley.  Men  to-day  can  judge  better  the  cruel  vin- 
dictiveness of  that  struggle  through  a contemplation  of  its  cari- 
catures than  by  the  reading  of  any  printed  page.* 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  the  pictures  went  too  far. 
They  are  deplored  now,  and  they  were  deplored  then.  The  Post 
in  a two-column  editorial  lamented  that  such  means  were  con- 
sidered necessary  to  the  end  in  view.  The  Atlantic  Monthly 
gave  Nast  credit  for  “ cleverness  and  effectiveness  ” but  cited 
instances  as  far  back  as  Socrates  and  the  days  of  the  Pelopon- 
nesian War  to  show  why  caricature  should  be  good-natured.  It 
further  expressed  a conviction  that,  after  all,  the  “ Tammany 


ONE  OF  THE  CARTOONS  AGAINST  CURTIS  AND  NAST,  BY  BELLEW 


* Nast  himself  did  not  escape.  In  an  illustrated  paper,  the  Fifth  Avenue  Jour- 
nal, he  was  caricatured  almost  weekly — his  friend  Bellew  having  been  engaged  to 
do  the  work.  One  of  these  pictures,  entitled  “ Mixing  Day  at  Harper’s — flaking 
Mud  to  Fling  at  Greeley,”  shows  Curtis,  prim  and  immaculate  in  all  save  his  hands, 
saying  to  Nast,  across  a bowl  of  filth: 

“Don’t  spit  in  it,  Thomas;  it  is  not  gentlemanly.” 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CARICATURE 


255 


AS  USUAL,  HE  PUT  HIS  FOOT  IN  IT  SURE  THING.  BETWEEN  TWO  STOOLS,  YOU  KNOW 


Tiger  Loose  ” should  “ never  have  been  drawn,”  for  the  reason 
that  the  traditions  of  the  Roman  arena  were  not  wholly  in  keep- 
ing with  the  sentiment  which  the  artist  had  meant  to  convey. 
Then  it  gravely  adds:  “It  may  he  urged  in  reply  to  this  criti- 
cism that  the  peojile  of  New  York  are  not  classical  enough  to  he 
affected  hy  such  considerations.” 

The  fierce  farcical  campaign  drew  toward  its  sorrowful  end. 
Near  its  close,  Mr.  Greeley  himself  made  a Western  tour,  ad- 
dressing vast  crowds  daily,  and  many  times  a day,  for  more  than 
a fortnight.  His  case  was  a sorry  one,  hut  he  presented  it  in  a 
manner  which  won  him  the  vast  applause  of  the  multitudes. 

The  personal  following  of  Horace  Greeley  was  enormous  and 
the  Republican  managers  became  alarmed  as  to  the  effect  of  his 
superb  oratory.  Never  had  he  been  more  brilliant.  Never  had 
he  been  more  forcible;  never  more  convincing  as  a debater,  a 
mover  of  masses,  a man  of  ready  thought  and  strong  idiomatic 
speech.  It  has  been  said  that  “ he  called  out  a larger  proportion 
of  those  who  intended  to  vote  against  him  than  any  candidate 
had  ever  before  succeeded  in  doing.”  * 

For  the  moment,  Mr.  Greeley  must  have  believed  in  his 

* Blaine:  “ Twenty  Years  in  Congress  ” 


25G 


THOMAS  NAST 


election.  The  masses 
crowded  about  him 
and  cheered  at  every 
pause.  Even  when, 
as  at  Pittsburg,  he 
was  led  into  some 
unfortunate  re- 
marks which  were 
construed  as  indi- 
cating a lingering 
belief  in  secession 
and  a regret  of  the 
old  Abolition  creed, 
there  was  nothing 
hut  commendation 
for  “ Old  Horace,” 
whose  pai>er  the 
people  had  read  and 
loved  so  long. 

The  first  blow  to  his  hopes  came  with  the  State  returns  from 
Vermont  and  IMaine,  which  gave  increased  Republican  majori- 
ties. Georgia  brightened  the  horizon  for  an  instant.  Then  the 
returns  from  Pennsylvania,  Ohio  and  Indiana  came  in,  three  of 
the  States  he  had  canvassed,  and  his  defeat  was  sure. 

At  this  trying  moment,  his  wife,  long  ill  with  consumption, 
died.  Mr.  Greeley  spent  many  hours  at  her  bedside,  and,  with 
the  burden  of  the  campaign  upon  him,  his  own  health  was  under- 
mined. "When  election  day  came  with  its  overwhelming  defeat 
—when  it  was  reported  that  Pennsylvania  had  given  more  than 
one  hundred  and  thirty-seven  thousand  majority  for  Grant,  and 
that  other  States  had  sur])assed  any  fonner  record— he  was 
crushed  and  heart-broken. 

Yet  in  spite  of  everything,  he  i)romptly  returned  to  his  editor- 


“ NONE  BUT  THE  BRAVE  DESERVES  THE  FAIR” 

Miss  Columbia  May  to  II.  G.  Uecembeu — “ Do  you  see  anything 
Green  in  uiy  Eye  1 ” 


17 


THAT  “TIDAL  WAVE.” — “ WE  ARE  ON  THE  HOME  STRETCH 


258 


THOMAS  NAST 


ship  of  the  Tribune,  “ relinquished,”  as  he  stated,  “ on  embark- 
ing in  another  line  of  business,”  and  with  the  added  statement 
that  it  would  henceforth  be  an  independent  journal,  resumed  his 
old  work. 

But  his  strength  was  gone,  and  his  intellect  gave  way.  Less 
than  a montli  later,  on  November  29th,  he  lay  in  his  coffin.  Amer- 
ica’s greatest  editor — erratic  in  conviction  yet  matchless  in  bat- 
tle, courageous  and  daring,  whether  right  or  wrong — had  slij^ped 

out  of  the  tumult  and 
sorry  warfares  of  men. 

As  was  natural,  the 
]iapers  that  had  supported 
Greeley  now  took  occasion 
to  overwhelm  Nast  with 
his  own  wickedness,  to 
point  out  that  he  had  been 
the  cause  of  the  great  ed- 
itor’s death.  From  no 

possible  point  of  reason- 
ing was  this  true.  Mr. 

Greeley  was  in  perfect 

health  when  he  set  out  on 
his  tour.  The  strain  of 

MU.  GREELEY  ON  THE  MORNING  AFTER  ELECTION  tOUl'  WOUld  liaVO  pi’OS- 

(Froiu  the  original  sketoh) 

trated  many  a younger 

man.  The  added  slee])less  vigils  during  his  wife’s  illness  com- 
pleted his  ])hysical  ruin.* 

“ I have  not  slept  one  hour  in  twenty-four  for  a month,”  he 
said  to  a friend.  “ If  she  lasts,  poor  soul,  another  week,  I shall 
go  with  her.” 

On  his  retuni  it  had  been  rumored  that  he  was  ill  and  Nast 
had  sent  over  to  the  Tribune  office  for  the  facts.  Already,  upon 


* See  also  the  Tribune’s  reply  to  Senator  Depew — footnote,  pa^es 


u. 


CLASPING  HANDS  OVEU  THE  BLOODLESS  (sAR)c(H)ASM 


THOMAS  NAST 


2(i0 


learning  of  Mrs.  Greeley’s  illness,  he  had  suppressed  a cartoon 
showing  Greeley  by  the  open  grave  of  Democracy.  Nast  had 
considered  that  its  idea  and  purpose  were  likely  to  he  mis- 
coustiTied,  though  Fletcher  HaqDer  had  written  concerning 
it: 

“ If  you  say  so,  we  will  publish  it,  as  you  and  Mrs.  Nast  and 
your  children  are  the  resi^onsible  parties.” 

Nast  was  prepared  now  to  discontinue  the  pictures  altogether 
if  the  rumor  of  Mr.  Greeley’s  illness  was  verified.  But  word  came 
hack  from  the  Tribune  office: 

“ The  report  is  a lie.  Do  your  worst.” 

It  is  quite  possible  that  Mr.  Greeley  was  not  really  ill  at  that 
time,  for  this  was  several  days  prior  to  the  election.  But  then 
came  the  strain  of  those  last  days  of  waiting,  the  death  of  his 

wife  followed  by  the 
final  crushing  real- 
ization that  those 
who  had  admired 
and  applauded  him 
as  an  advocate  had 
rejected  him  as  a 
counsellor  and  a 
guide.  Horace  Gree- 
ley had  fallen  a vic- 
tim to  ambition,  self- 
deception  and  over- 
work ; yet  more  than 
all,  perhaps,  to  his 
own  record,  which, 
with  or  without 
Nast,  must  have  ac- 
complished his  de- 

MR.  GREELEY  DISMOUNTED  FROM  THE  DEMOCRATIC  STEED  feat. 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  CARICATURE 


261 


The  final  cartoon 
of  the  campaign  was 
a picture  of  Nast,  by 
himself,  published 
immediately  after 
election,  showing 
the  artist  left  deso- 
late—his  occupation 
gone.  Thenfollowed 
a fine  allegorical 
picture  on  the  Bos- 
ton fire  which  had 
occuiTcd  November 
9,  and  later,  his  last 
drawing  of  the  year, 
a cartoon  of  Sum- 
ner, who  had  re- 
turned from  abroad 
with  a bill  “ To 
strike  from  the  U. 

S.  Flags  and  Army 
Eegister  all  record 
of  battles  fought 

with  fellow  citizens.”  It  was  for  this  measure  that  the  j\[assa- 
chusetts  senator  received  a vote  of  censure  from  the  legislature 
of  his  own  State,  though  the  resolution  was  rescinded  prior  to 
his  death  in  1874.  lie  did  not  live  to  see  his  Civil  Bights  Bill  be- 
come a law.  Sumner’s  great  career,  like  that  of  Horace  Greeley, 
closed  in  sorrow  and  disappointment,  and,  it  is  only  fair  to  be- 
lieve, under  the  shadow  of  a mental  cloud,  the  price  of  his  mar- 
tvrdom. 


COLUMBIA  lays  ASIDE  HER  LAURELS  TO  MOURN  AT  THE 
BURNING  OF  HER  BIRTHPLACE 


ClIAPTEK  XXIX 


QUIET  AND  CONGRATULATIONS 

'With  the  secolul  election  of 
General  Grant,  the  admiration 
of  the  llepuhlican  party  for 
Thomas  Xast  heeame  something 
near  idolatry.  Ilis  daily  mail 
was  a vast  budget  of  congratu- 
lations, invitations,  offers  of 
gifts  and  ideas. 

The  invitations  and  gifts  he 
rarely  accej)ted.  The  ideas  for 
pictures  he  did  not  use,  having 
always  more  than  enough  of  his  own. 

There  came  to  him  likewise  many  requests.  Social  refonners, 
believing  it  within  his  power  to  correct  any  evil,  eagerly  be- 
sought his  aid.  Legislators  urged  him  to  take  up  his  pencil 
in  behalf  of  certain  measures,  while  candidates  for  official  pro- 
motion endeavored  through  him  to  obtain  the  ear  of  Grant.  As 
a maker  of  pictures  concerned  with  the  affairs  of  a great  re- 
public, his  position  was  absolutely  unique.  X’^ever  in  the  history 
of  nations  had  it  been  api)iT)a<*hed.  X’^ever  is  it  likely  to  be  again. 

At  the  close  of  the  canq)aign  the  Tlepiiblican  X^ational  Com- 
mittee had  expressed  its  obligation  in  a letter  of  thanks. 


QUIET  AND  CONGRATULATIONS 


2G3 


We  feel  that  we  shall  not  fully  perfonn  our  duty  (wrote  the 
secretary),  without  thaukiug  you  cordially  for  the  efficient  aid 
we  have  derived  from  your  skilful  hand  and  fertile  but  truthful 
imagination. 

AVhen  the  results  of  the  election  became  known,  Samuel  L. 
Clemens  sent  an  enthusiastic  line: 


Xast,  you  more  than  any  other  man  have  won  a prodigious 
victory  for  Grant— T mean,  rather,  for  Civilization  and  Progress. 
Those  pictures  were  simply  marvellous,  and  if  any  man  in  the 
land  has  a right  to  hold  his  head  up  and  be  honestly  proud  of  his 
share  in  this  year’s  vast  events,  that  man  is  unquestionably  your- 
self. We  all  do  sincerely  honor  you  and  are  proud  of  you. 

Yours  ever. 


J\lark  Twain. 


In  another  letter  Clemens  wrote: 


The  Almanac  has  come  and  I have  enjoyed  those  pictures 
with  all  my  soul  and  body.  Your  “ Mexico  ” is  a fifty  years’ 
history  of  that  retrograding  chaos  of  a country,  portrayed  upon 
the  s])aee  of  one’s  thumbnail,  so  to  s])eak,  and  that  “ Sphinx  in 
Egypt  ” charms  me.  I wish  1 could  draw  that  old  head  in  that 
way. 

I wish  you  could  go  to  England  with  us  in  INlay.  Surely  you 
could  never  regret  it.  I do  hope  my  publishers  can  make  it  pay 
you  to  illustrate  my  English  book.  Then  I should  have  good  pic- 
tures. They’ve  got  to  improve  on  “ Koughing  It.” 

I thank  you  for  your  kindness  to  me  and  my  friend  Charley. 

The  Charley  referred  to  was  Charles  i\I.  Fairbanks,  now  a 
well-known  newsi)a])er  man,  then  a.  boy  with  a good  deal  of 
artistic  talent  and  an  unbounded  admiration  for  the  work  of 
Nast.  lie  had  come  with  a letter  from  Clemens  and  the  cartoon- 
ist had  made  him  welcome  and  assisted  him  with  advice  and 
encouragement.  The  boy  was  most  grateful  and  remained  al- 
ways one  of  Nast’s  loyal  and  devoted  friends. 

From  the  first  great  champion  of  our  dumb  companions  and 
servitors  there  came  a characteristic  word  of  praise: 

I wish  I could  determine  which  of  your  inimitable  pictures 
is  best,  but  I cannot.  The  one  in  this  week’s  IIaiq)er’s  Bazar,  of 
Santa  Claus  among  the  animals,  seems  to  me  worthy  of  a frame 
of  solid  gold  and  precious  stones.  Those  two  cats  upon  a bench 
have  nothing  extant  their  superior. 


264 


THOMAS  HAST 


Whenever  you  should  he  at  a loss  for  a subject,  do  illustrate 
our  work  with  your  magic  pencil! 

Your  profound  admirer, 

Henry  Bergh, 

James  Barton  wrote  hastily: 

No  one  has  contributed  to  this  glorious  and  astounding  vic- 
tory of  Honesty  over  Humbug  as  much  as  Thomas  Nast.  Apply 
at  once  for  the  Paris  consulshii),  and  please  don't  get  it! 

Gratifying  as  these  attentions  must  have  been,  they  could  not 

altogether  bring 
hapi)iness  to  the 
young  illustrator, 
who,  now  tliat  the 
stimulus  of  battle 
was  gone,  found 
himself  well-nigh 
prostrated  from 
the  work  and 
strain  and  trag- 
edy of  the  battle. 
He  had  averaged 
three  drawings  a 
week  during  the 
year,  many  of 
them  double 
pages,  and  into 
them  he  had  put 
all  the  fierce  con- 
viction and  vital- 
ity of  his  being. 
The  result  was 
colla]ise,  and  the 
death  of  Horace 
Greeley  added  to 
his  de])ression. 


22  NAST'S  ALMANAC  FOR  1873 

THE  STOET  OF  THE  GOOD  LITTLE  BOY  WHO  DID  NOT  PEOSPEB. 

BY  MARK  TWAIN. 


Once  there  was  a good  little  hoy  by  the  name  of  Jacob  Blivens.  lie  always  obeyed 
his  parents,  no  matter  how  absurd  and  unreasonable  their  demands  were;  and  he  al- 
ways learned  his  book,  and  never  was  late  at  Sabbath-school.  He  would  not  plav 
hookey,  even  when  his  sober  judgment  told  him  it  was  the  most  profitable  thing  he 
could  do.  None  of  the  other  boys  could  ever  make  that  boy  out,  he  acted  so  strangely. 
He  wouldn't  lie,  no  matter  bow  convenient  it 
was.  He  just  said  it  was  wrong  to  lie,  and 
that  was  sufficient  for  him.  And  he  was  so 
honest  that  he  was  simply  ridiculous.  The 
curious  ways  that  Jacob  had  surpassed  every 
thing.  He  wouldn't  play  at  marbles  on  Sun- 
day, he  wouldn't  rob  birds'  nests,  he  wouldn't 
give  hot  pennies  to  organ-grinders’  monkeys ; 
he  didn't  seem  to  take  any  interest  in  any 
kind  of  rational  amusement.  So  the  other 
boys  used  to  try  to  reason  it  out,  and  come  to 
.in  understanding  of  him,  but  they  couldn’t  ar- 
rive at  any  satisfactory  conclusion ; as  I said 


A PAGE  FROM  NAST^S  ALMANAC 


QUIET  AND  CONGRATULATIONS 


205 


For  in  the  nature  of  Thomas  Nast  there  was  no  fibre  of  cruelty 
or  injustice.  No  man  ever  lent  a more  willing  ear  to  the  voice 
of  the  oppressed,  or  was  ever  more  generous  to  the  needy,  more 
tender  with  the  suffering.  A letter  from  Bellew,  who  had 
caricatured  him  so  fiercely  during  the  campaign,  but  who  later 
was  ill  and  in  want,  gives  us  a hint  of  the  personal  side  of  Nast. 
My  Dear  Nast: 

I have  just  received  an  envelope  enclosing  a cheque  for 
twenty-five  dollars,  signed  by  you.  Although  no  explanation  ac- 
companied the  cheque,  I suppose  I cannot  be  far  wrong  in  assum- 
ing that,  having  heard  of  my  illness,  you  kindly  intend  it  as  a 
plank  for  the  bridge  to  carr>'  me  over  my  present  troubles.  This 
is  very  kind  of  you,  and  I assure  you  I heartily  appreciate  both 
the  motive  and  the  money,  which  came  at  no  inopportune 
moment. 

At  some  future  day,  when  I get  my  harness  on,  I hope  you 
will  give  me  the  opportunity  to  repay  that  part  which  it  is  pos- 
sible to  repay  of  a considerate  act  like  yours,  by  some  pen  work 
for  your  Almanac. 

’ Very  sincerely  yours, 

Bellew. 

Always  a lion  in  battle,  Nast  was  the  gentlest  of  human  beings 
among  his  friends.  That  he  should  now  be  accused  of  having 
caused  the  death  of  a fellow  creature,  distressed  him  sorely. 
Curtis,  always  thoughtful,  wrote  him  a soothing  letter. 

At  the  old  Desk,  Feb.  4,  1873. 

My  Dear  Nast: 

1 am  verj--  sorry  to  hear  from  the  Major  that  you  are  not 
quite  well,  and  I think  perhaps  the  soft  sun  to-day  may  cheer 
you.  I am  so  little  in  Franklin  Square  that  I never  meet  you, 
but  I do  not  forget  the  good  old  days  when  you  used  sometimes 
to  climb  up  here  and  say  a word. 

When  spring  comes  perhaps  I shall  see  you,  with  the  other 
bulbs  and  flowers!  But  seeing  you  or  not  seeing,  I shall  always 
think  of  you  with  the  kindest  regard,  and,  as  we  all  do,  with 
great  admiration. 

Veiy  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 

Barton,  too,  wrote  again,  addressing  him  “ Iffy  dear  Tommy,” 


206 


THOMAS  XAST 


and  urging  seriously  liis  acceptance  of  an  oflicial  ai)pointnient 
abroad,  with  a long  rest. 

Not  inaction — not  stagnation  (he  wrote)  but  rest  and  change. 
Don’t  ])ut  this  off.  Take  waniing  by  Greeley.  Jt  was  forty 
years  work  and  no  play  that  desti'oyed  him.  You  cannot  and 
must  not  go  on  working  your  brain  as  you  have  done.  Leav- 
ing out  all  other  considerations,  you  are  more  valuable  to  Sally 
and  the  children  than  the  mortgage  paid  off.  Think  seriously 
of  this.  Think  of  it  as  you  would  a new  picture.  You  will 
answer,  you  will  tell  me,  I’m  another.  So  I am,  but  not  so  bad. 
And  there  is  this  diffei-ence  between  us;  you  can  rest,  and  I can’t. 
You  have  considerable  proi)erty  and  1 have  none.  1 must  plod 
on,  but  not  nearly  so  hard  now  as  before.  The  time  is  near,  I 
hope,  when  1 can  let  up  on  myself. 

Now,  Sally,  consider  this  with  all  your  might.  Don’t  let  him 
put  it  off.  ‘ ‘ Husbands,  obey  your  wives,”  the  Ihble  says.  Do  it! 

But  consulship  with  years  of  rest,  afar  from  the  din  of  battle, 
were  little  to  the  taste  of  a man  like  Nast,  ill  though  he  was. 
He  had  expected  nothing  of  the  Govennnent,  and  desired  nothing 
it  could  give.  His  income  for  the  year  had  aggregated  about 
eighteen  thousand  dollars.  Twelve  hundred  of  this  was 
royalty  from  his  Almanac,  and  most  of  the  remainder  from 
his  cartoons.  There  was  not  enough  saved  as  yet  to  pay 
the  mortgage  on  the  big  new  home,  but  he  felt  that  he 
was  more  likely  to  achieve  this  end  in  America  than  as  the 
Nation’s  representative  in  a foreign  port.  Colonel  Chipman, 
always  his  friend,  seeking  in  some  way  to  relieve  any  anxiety 
as  to  this  debt,  started  privately  in  Washington  a ten  thousand 
dollar  testimonial  fund,  to  be  made  up  in  subscriptions  of  one 
hundred  dollars  each.  To  this  the  President,  Secretary  Fish, 
and  a host  of  others  were  eager  to  contribute,  but  Nast  found 
it  incompatible  with  his  ideas  of  independence.  He  was  urged 
to  go  abroad  alone  for  a period  of  comi)lete  change,  and  finally 
planned  to  sail  in  March,  1873. 


1 


Ml-.  Demai-est  Mr.  Constable  Mr.  Curtis  Fletcher  Harper,  Jr.  S.  S.  Coiuiiit  Jlr.  J’ai-smis  5Iis.s  Booth 
(Cashier)  (Art  Director)  (ot  the  Bazar) 

S.MALL  POT.\TOES  BF.FOHE  THE  SUI’KE.ME  COUItT* 


C'lIAI’TKK  XXX 


CREDIT  MOHILIEU,  AND  I-VAUGURATIOX 

^Meantime,  the  artist  had  completed  some  illustrations  for  a 
Harper  edition  of  “ Pickwick  Papers  ” and  had  drawn  a few 
cartoons  for  the  'Weekly.  Among  the  latter  was  a most  ])ro- 
phetic  picture  entitled  “ The  Finger  of  Sconi,”  aimed  at  Oakey 
Hall,  who  on  the  first  of  the  year  had  surrendered  his  office  to 
AV.  F.  Havemeyei’,  the  reform  candidate.  Hall  had  escaped  the 
law,  through  the  death  of  a juror  on  his  first  trial,  and  a dis- 

* Sometimes,  as  in  the  case  of  the  “ Credit  i\fobilier”  jiictiire,  a cartoon  became 
a matter  ot  discussion  in  llie  Harper  rooms.  Nast  caricatured  tlic  situation,  showing 
himself  standing  amid  laurels  won  through  former  achievements,  exhibiting  a drawing 
to  a court  composed  of  the  heads  of  various  departments.  The  elder  h'letcher  Harper, 
when  he  saw  it,  said  to  Henry  M.  Alden,  editor  of  the  monthly:  “We  are  the  only 
respectable  ones.  He  left  us  out.”  The  picture  hung  for  many  years  in  the  Harper 
business  otlice,  but  has  never  before  been  j)ublished. 


268 


THOMAS  NAST 


agreement  on  the  second— seven  jurors  having  voted  for  con- 
viction, five  for  acquittal.  No  further  legal  action  was  taken,  but 
his  record  was  to  follow  him  through  long  years  and  in  far  lands. 

The  partial  ab- 
sence of  Nast’s 
work  from  the 
pages  of  Harper’s 
AVeekly  was  quick- 
ly noticed  and  com- 
mented upon.  Op- 
position journals 
either  gloated  over 
what  they  con- 
ceived to  be  his 
downfall,  or  pub- 
lished mock  obitu- 
aries. Some  of 
them  declared  that 
he  was  lost  in 
trackless  wilds  and 
that  an  expedition 
should  be  sent  out  in  search  of  him.  Others  maintained 
that  he  was  affected  with  a disease  of  the  eyes  which  prevented 
him  from  seeing  the  latest  Kepublican  frauds.  They  pointed  to 
the  scandalous  Credit  Mobilier  developments  and  asked  “ Where 
is  Nast.”  They  demanded  that  he  assail  this  chapter  of  dis- 
grace which  was  adding  shame  to  what  was  “ already  a dis- 
reputable administration.” 

Conceniing  the  Credit  ]\Iol)ilier,  the  cartoonist  had  been  eager 
to  do  precisely  what  they  demanded,  having  been  withheld  by 
his  publishers  until  exact  knowledge  could  be  obtained. 

But  investigation  did  not  iini>rove  the  aspect  of  this  sad  affair. 
The  Credit  ]\Iobilier  (Credit  on  movable  i)roperty)  was  a cor- 


THE  GAME  OF  FOX  AND  GEESE  ; OU,  LEGAL  TUIALS  OF 
THE  PEIUOD 


CREDIT  MOBILIER.  AND  INAUGURATION 


209 


poration  in  wliicli  George  Francis  Train,  and  Oakes  Ames,  a 
Massachusetts  congressman,  were  prominently  interested,  and 
was  identified  with  the  construction  of  tlie  Union  Pacific 
Railroad.  The  Company  at  first  assumed  great  risks,  hut 
later  its  stock  became  immensely  profitable.  In  the  later  six- 
ties Ames,  foreseeing  that  it  was  likely  to  become  a legislative 
issue,  induced  a number  of  congressmen  to  take  or  agree  to 
take  Credit  ^lobilier  shares.  The  fact  that  he  was  willing  to 
sell  to  his  associates,  at  par,  stock  paying  the  enormous  div- 
idends of  from  sixty  to  eighty  j)er  cent.,  and  to  allow  such  pur- 
chasers to  pay  for  their  holdings  out  of  accumulating  profits, 
would  seem  to  have  been  a proceeding  i)rompted  by  some  other 
motive  than  that  of  mere  friendship.  Far-seeing  men  like 
Blaine,  Conkling,  Wilson,  Boutwell  and  others  either  declined 
the  stock,  or  returned  it,  after  a brief  jieriod  of  reflection. 
Others,  through  guilelessness  or  self-interest,  failed  to  do  this, 
and  from  time  to  time  profited  by  the  generous  dividends.  Then 
there  came  an  hour  when  to  own  Credit  Mobilier  was  incon- 
sistent with  impartial  legislation,  and  presently  followed  the 
inevitable  exposure,*  which  coming  in  the  midst  of  a campaign 
had  made  men  afraid  to  tell  the  truth.  Garfield,  Colfax  and 
other  honored  names  were  dragged  in  the  dust.  Yet  the  real 
tragedy  lay  not  so  much  in  the  acquisition  of  the  stock,  as  in 
the  fact  that  the  stockholders  refused  to  tell  the  whole  simple 
stoiy  of  the  transaction,  but  persisted  in  denying  their  owner- 
ship, even  before  a court  of  investigation,  until  confronted  by 
incontrovertible  ])roof.  Colonel  Chipman,  in  a letter  to  Nast, 
January"  26,  presented  a personal  view  of  the  matter. 

My  Dear  Friend: 

You  will  be  pained,  as  all  good  men  are,  at  the  dreadful  dis- 
closures in  the  Credit  Mobilier  business.  Was  there  ever  such 
an  exhibition  of  idiocy  and  cowardice!  With  absolutely  an  inno- 

* In  the  New  York  Sun  beginning  September  4,  1872,  continuing  tlirough  the 
remainder  of  the  year. 


2H0 


THOMAS  NAST 


cent  transaction  to  start  with,  the  actors  in  the  matter  have  by 
their  conduct  magnified  it  into  a stupendous  fraud. 

I have  not  lost  my  faith  in  tlie  honesty  and  integrity  of  such 
men  as  Dawes,  Bingham,  Garfield  and  Patterson,  but  we  must 
have  our  ideas  as  to  their  sagacity  gi-eatly  shocked  and  lowered. 

I want  you  to  understand  this  matter  precisely  as  it  is.  The 
whole  subject  offers  a rich  theme  for  your  pencil,  but  I doubt 
the  wisdom  of  availing  yourself  of  it.  The  feeling  is  one  of 
deep  regret  rather  than  censure,  and  this  I think  is  the  sentiment 
generally.  It  is  this  which  would  make  a picture  unwelcome. 
It  would  “ bring  down  the  house  ” I admit,  but  at  the  same 
time  we  would  all  feel  ashamed  of  ourselves  for  laughing  at  the 
calamity. 

Here  is  the  way  all  this  was  brought  about. 

These  gentlemen  had  a little  money  to  invest.  They  are  all 
poor,  and  to  turn  an  honest  penny  seemed  desirable.  The  sly 
and  devilish  Ames  gave  them  the  opportunity  for  the  invest- 
ment, without  fully  acquainting  them  with  the  transaction. 

Scene  second.  The  campaign  comes  on;  some  whisjierings 
about  Credit  IMobilier  stock  in  the  hands  of  well-known  Eepub- 
licans.  They  thought  a frank  confession  might  hurt  Grant  and 
that  the  public  would  not  admit  the  investment  in  the  stocks 
to  be  a legitimate  thing;  hence,  they  concealed  the  facts  and 
misled  the  public. 

Scene  third.  The  Congressional  Investigation  begins.  "With 
the  same  stupidity  they  keej)  back  the  sini])le  truth  and  seek 
again  to  cover  up  facts.  Step  by  step  the  disclosures  are  brought 
out  until  the  country  is  shocked,  without  knowing  exactly  why 
or  how.  It  has  ruined  Colfax  and  Patterson  and  some  others, 
and  greatly  lowered  the  public  opinion  in  their  integrity.  All 
of  them  must  suffer  more  or  less.  The  whole  thing  is  a matter 
of  unutterable  regret.  I haven’t  time  to  write  you  the  details, 
or  to  give  you  the  views  of  individuals  in  public  life.  Expecting 
you  and  yours  in  February,  I am. 

As  ever, 

N.  P.  Chipman. 

The  Credit  IMobilier  investigation  ended  with  a vote  of  censure 
for  Oakes  Ames  (Pep.),  of  ^Massachusetts,  and  James  Brooks 
(Dem.),  of  New  York— the  latter  being  government  director  in 
the  Union  Pacific  Eoad.  Both  men  were  overwhelmed  by  their 
disgrace  and  died.  Brooks  the  last  day  of  April  and  Ames  a week 
later.  The  whole  wretched  affair  cast  a shadow  over  Grant’s 


272 


THOMAS  NAST 


second  inauguration,  while  the  bitter  and  gloomy  weather  did 
not  tend  to  make  the  occasion  more  cheerful. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nast  went  to  Washington  for  the  event. 
They  were  the  guests  of  Colonel  Chipman,  and  their  visit  was 
a succession  of  gay  affairs.  They  called  at  the  White  House 
the  evening  before  the  re-inauguration.  President  Grant  re- 
ceived them  in  his  family  circle,  and  Mrs.  Nast  was  struck  with 
his  timidity  of  manner.  He  blushed  and  his  voice  trembled  like 
that  of  a bashful  boy.  When  Mrs.  Nast  spoke  of  the  crowds  in 
the  city,  he  said: 

“ Yes,  but  I feel  like  a man  who  is  going  to  be  hung  to-mor- 
row. ’ ’ 

The  great  soldier  would  rather  have  faced  the  legions  of  Lee 
than  the  multitudes  who  had  gathered  to  hear  his  public  address. 

The  bittenaess  of  the  weather  and  the  crush  and  tumult  of 
entertainment  rather  dismayed  Mrs.  Nast,  who  was  of  a domestic 
temperament  and  fond  of  the  family  fireside.  They  returned 
presently  to  the  quieter  joys  of  the  Morristown  home. 

While  in  Washington,  Nast  had  met  General  Gai-field,  hut  did 
not  take  his  hand.  Garfield  reddened,  and  exclaimed: 

“ I know  why  you  will  not  shake  hands  with  me— that  will 
all  he  explained  some  day.” 

But  the  explanation  was  never  made,  and  in  the  Credit  Mo- 
bilier  cartoon  of  March  15  both  Garfield  and  Colfax  appear 
among  those  at  whom  Justice  points  the  finger  of  sconi.  How- 
ever, the  picture  was  a two-edged  sword,  for  on  the  other  hand 
were  collected  the  editors  who  had  been  most  “ shocked  and  out- 
raged ” by  the  exposures,  and  Justice  is  saying  to  these  “ saints 
of  the  press  ”: 

“ Let  him  that  has  not  betrayed  the  trust  of  the  people,  and 
is  without  stain,  cast  the  first  stone.” 

In  the  same  issue  “ The  Biggest  Joke  of  the  Season  ” showed 
Fernando  Wood  presenting  articles  for  the  impeachment  of  Vice- 


18 


THOMAS  XASr 


President  Colfax.  A week  later,  ]Marcli  22,  there  appeared 
a final  pictorial  comment  on  the  snl)ject,  showing  Ames  and 
Brooks  as  the  “ Chenihs  of  the  Credit  Mobilier.” 

Nast  now  made  preparation  for  his  ocean  voyage.  Secretar}’ 
Fish  had  conferred  upon  him  the  appointment  of  U.  S.  Com- 
missioner to  the  Vienna  Exposition,  hut  this  honor  was  declined, 
as  the  artist  did  not  care  to  attend  the  great  fair.  Just 

before  sailing  he 
paid  a hit  of  fare- 
well attention  to  the 
newspaper  jokers, 
who  had  been  “ or- 
ganizing expedi- 
tions ” to  discover 
his  whereabouts.  In 
the  issue  of  iNIarch 
' 29  appeared  a 
double-page  car- 
L toon  entitled  “ The 
!^[eeting  of  Nast 
and  AVatterson  in 
Central  New  Jer- 
sey.” Nast,  in  front 
of  his  home,  is  wel- 
coming the  “Louis- 

blindman’s-buff.  how  bong  wiix  this  gamf,  last?  . . 

viJle  Courier  Expe- 
dition,” led  by  Henry  AA'atterson,  and  including  the  editors  of 
the  New  York  Sun,  Herald  and  Tribune,  armed  with  the  Amer- 
ican flag  and  hlunderhus  guns.  On  April  12  appeared  a cari- 
cature of  various  members  of  the  Tweed  and  Erie  rings,  playing 
Blind  Man’s  Buff  with  Justice.  It  was  Nast’s  last  cartoon  for  a 


jieriod  of  nearly  five  months,  and  the  artist  was  already  on  the 


water  when  it  appeared. 


CHAPTEK  XXXI 


A TlilP  ABEOAD  AND  AN  ENGAGE3[ENT  AT  DOME 

The  cartoonist  was  now  to  undergo  a new  ordeal.  On  the 
vessel  with  him  was  Janies  Pedpath,  iiroprietor  of  the  Bos- 
ton Lyceum  Bureau— a lecture  agency  which  later  passed  into 
the  control  of  Major  J.  B.  Pond.  Kcdpath  had  been  urging  N^ast 
to  undertake  a series  of  illustrated  lectures  during  the  coming 
season,  and  had  taken  passage  on  the  same  vessel  for  the  express 
imrpose  of  persuading  the  artist’s  acceptance  of  the  idea.  But 
the  man  of  jiictures  was  frightened  at  the  thought  of  going 
before  the  public  face  to  face.  He  finally  agreed  to  consider  the 
matter  and  to  decide  upon  his  return.  Yet  the  more  he  consid- 
ered, the  greater  became  his  alarm.  Finally  he  pleaded  as  an  ex- 
cuse that  he  was  thinking  of  accepting  a foreign  appointment,  to 
which  Kedpath  replied  that  he  would  consider  the  bargain 
closed,  with  the  jiroviso  that  if  his  victim  abandoned  the  appoint- 
ment idea,  he  was  to  mount  the  lecture  platform;  thus  leaving 
to  the  artist  the  old  alteniative  of  the  fiwing-pan  or  the  fire— 
a condition  not  likely  to  ease  his  already  troubled  state  of  mind. 

X’evertheless,  his  vacation  was  beneficial.  He  visited  old 
friends  in  London,  including  W.  L.  Thomas,  the  London  News 
engraver  who  had  attended  to  collections  and  remittances  for 
him  during  the  Garibaldian  and  Civil  War  periods.  From  Lon- 
don the  artist  jounieyed  into  Coniwall  and  made  an  extended 


27G 


THOMAS  NAST 


visit  at  the  home  of  Colonel  Peard,  where  the  old  campaign  was 
rehearsed,  with  its  glories,  its  comedies  and  its  results.  To  his 
old  comrade,  Nast  was  still  “ Joe,  the  Fat  Boy,”  and  it  was 
“ Joe,  you  rascal,  don’t  go  to  sleej),”  or  “ Now,  Joe,  you’re 
asleep  again,”  as  in  the  old  Calabrian  days.  After  his  return  to 
London,  Nast  one  morning  received  the  following  note,  which 
would  seem  to  require  no  explanation: 

Joseph:  Thou  hast  neglected  my  orders  in  not  sending  the 
boots.  You  must  give  an  explanation  of  your  conduct,  or  shall 
be  tried  by  court  martial.  The  punishment  for  disobedience  of 
orders  is  death,  and  such  other  pimishment  as  the  court  may 
award.  Thou  art  also  absent  from  headquarters,  which  is  a 
grave  offence.  J.  W.  Peard,  Col.  Brigade. 

Nast  saw  liedpath  again  in  Loudon  and  gave  a partial  con- 
sent to  the  lecture  idea.  lie  agreed,  if  Mrs.  Nast  approved  (his 
last  hope  of  escape),  to  let  the  agent  send  out  a hundred  letters 
to  as  many  managers  in  different  cities,  thus  to  ascertain  if  there 
was  really  a demand  for  him,  which  he  was  loth  to  believe. 
Kedpath  did  not  wait  for  further  permission,  but  sailed  at  once 
for  America  to  enter  into  correspondence  with  j\lrs.  Nast,  and  to 
begin  the  campaign. 

To  say  that  the  agent’s  expectations  were  fulfilled  would  be 
a mild  statement.  He  had  calculated  on  a ])ossible  one  hundred 
nights,  with  a net  return  to  the  lecturer  of  as  much  as  ten  thou- 
sand dollars  for  the  season.  But  the  desire  to  look  upon  the  man 
who  had  destroyed  Tweed  and  helped  to  elect  Grant — to  watch 
him  use  his  deft  crayon  and  “ make  faces  ” before  their  very 
eyes— was  more  universal  than  even  an  enthusiastic  Bureau 
^Manager  had  dreamed. 

Engagements  fairly  poured  in.  Before  Nast  returned  in  June, 
his  doom  as  a lecturer  was  sealed.  By  July  the  amount  already 
guaranteed  had  far  exceeded  Pedpath’s  most  liberal  calcula- 
tions. Every  day  brought,  from  Pedpath,  some  line  or  telegram 
of  new  triumphs. 


A TRIP  ABROAD  AND  AN  ENGAGEMENT  AT  HOME  277 


“ Over  tliirteen  thousand  dollars  already  guaranteed,”  he 
wrote,  ” and  the  cry  is  still  they  come.  You  lead  everybody  ex- 
cept Gough.*  Star  of  the  evening,  beautiful  star!  There  is  every 
reason  to  believe  that  you  will  be  under  the  i)ainful  necessity  of 
drawing  twenty  thousand  dollars  out  of  the  pockets  of  your 
countrymen  during  the  coming  season.  Are  republics  ungrate- 
ful! 

” Now  you  are  in  for  it,  put  yourself  under  the  best  training 
at  once.  It  would  play  the  mischief  if  you  should  break  down. 
You  will  speak  five  times  a week  and  therefore  should  get  your- 
self in  the  best  physical  condition.  Put  yourself  under  the  best 
elocutionist,  and  practise  all  the  time  to  strengthen  your  voice.” 


The  mental  picture  of  himself  not  only  writing  a speech  but 
continuously  practising  its  deliver^'  doubtless  amused  the  artist 
ns  much  as  the  thought  of  going  before  an  audience  terrified 
him.  lie  engaged  Parton  to  ])repare  his  subject  matter,  and  for 
the  rest  of  the  summer  lay  under  the  trees  studying  it  and  plan- 
ning a programme  of  the  sketches  he  was  to  make— ‘ ‘ getting  in 
condition  ” for  the  onset. 

This  was  a period  when  many  inteiwiewers  came  and  went, 
some  to  find  out  why  his  work  no  longer  appeared,  others  to 
write  about  his  past,  present  and  future,  including  the  contents 
of  his  household  and  the  habits  and  characteristics  of  his  family. 
It  was  one  of  the  last-named  variety  who,  drawing  upon  an 
exuberant  imagination,  rather  overdid  the  matter  and  somewhat 
annoyed  the  subjects  of  his  sketch.  Other  papers  promptly  cor- 
rected the  misstatements,  and  one  of  these  being  mailed  to  Nast’s 
old  friend,  ” Josh  Billings,”  elicited  an  amusing  reply: 


Dear  Tommy: 

I got  your  ])aper  in  which  the  ” Interviewer  ” is  handled.  I 
will  write  some  sentiments  touching  the  “ Interviewer  ” before 
long,  when  I get  leisure,  and  you  can  illustrate  it  in  your  happy 
way,  and  between  us  we  will  scald  the  ” kuss.”  Love  to  all. 

Yours  till  deth. 


Josh. 


* John  B.  Gough,  temperance  lecturer,  called  h}'  Major  Pond  “ The  King  of  the 
Lecture  World.” 


278 


THOMAS  NAST 


MARRIAGE. 

bY  JOSn  BILLIKOS. 

Marriage  is  a fair  transaction  on  the  face  ov  it. 

But  there  iz  quite  too  often  put-up  jobs  in  it. 

It  is  an  old  institushun — older  than  the  Pyramids,  and  az  phuU  ov  byrogliphics  that 
nobody  can  parse. 

History  holds  its  tongue  who  the  pair  waz  who  fust  put  on  the  silken  harness,  and 
promised  to  work  kind  in  it,  thru  thick  and  thin,  op  hill  and  down,  and  on  the  level, 
rain  or  shine,  sun’ive  or  perish,  sink  or  swim,  drown  or  dote. 

But  whoever  they  waz,  they  must  hev  made  a good  thing  out  of  it,  or  so  menny  ov 
their  posterity  would  not  hev  harnessed  up  since  and  drove  out. 

There  iz  a grate  moral  grip  to  marriage;  it  iz  the  mortar  that  holds  the  sooshtil 
bricks  together. 

JOSH  BILLINGS 
(Reproduced  from  Kast's  Almanac) 


Tlie  weeks  went 
by  and  the  artist 
continued  to  do 
nothing  at  all  in  the 
Avay  of  pictures. 
Fletcher  ITarperwas 
willing,  not  only 
that  he  should  rest, 
hut  that  hencefoi-th 
he  should  receive 
one  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars  a page, 
with  a yearly  re- 
tainer of  five  thou- 
sand dollars,  as  a 
bonus  — work  or 
play— on  condition  that  he  drew  for  no  other  paper. 

It  was  the  anti-Grant  cry  of  “ Ca'sarism  ’’—begun  while  Xast 
was  abroad — which  finally,  in  September,  stirred  him  to  pictorial 
activity.  The  New  York  Herald  led  the  clamor,  and  Xast 
now  cartooned  the  younger  Bennett  as  “ Xick  Bottom  ” of  “ A 
Midsummer  Xight’s  Dream,”  frightened  by  an  ass’s  ghost  of  his 
own  conjuring. 

The  picture  brought  many  words  of  congratulation  from  those 
who  were  glad  to  see  the  artist  at  work  once  more.  The  Graphic 
— an  illustrated  daily,  made  possible  by  the  newly  perfected 
process  engraving— heralded  the  event  with  a caricature  of  the 
cartoonist  at  his  old  tricks  again.  IMarshall  .Tewell,  then  Min- 
ister to  Russia,  wrote  an  enthusiastic  letter.  .Tewell  had  been 
Govemor  of  Connecticut,  and  later  became  I’ostmaster  General, 
also  a presidential  candidate.  He  wrote  at  considerable  lengih, 
l)ut  coming  from  one  on  the  ” inside  of  things,”  with  an  intimate 
knowledge  of  conditions,  the  letter  seems  important. 


A TRIP  ABROAD  AM)  AX  EXGAGEMEXT  AT  HOME 


Legation  of  the  United  States. 

St.  Petersburg,  Oct.  11,  1873. 

Dear  Xast:  11-  o’clock,  P.M. 

I am  so  tickled  to-night  (glad  is  no  name  for  it)  that  I am  not 
going  to  bed  till  1 have  written  yon  all  about  it.  1 ha\e  been 
greatly  annoyed  all  thro’  Europe  this  summer  by  the  (piestion 
“ JIow  abonfthe  third  term?  How’s  Ciesarisni?  ” You  know 
the  Herald  is  taken  more  in  Euro])e  than  any  other  paper.  I 
scolded  Knssell  Young  about  it  in  ^denna,  for  it’s  a shame.  But 
how  to  stop  it  was  the  question.  I have  often  said  if  Nast  and 
Xasbv  would  take  hold  ot  it  they  could  kill  it,  but  1 had  lieaid 
you  were  going  to 
lecture  and  Xasby 
(bless  his  heart) 
had  taken  to  mak- 
ing money. 

So  I refused  to 
be  comforted.  I 
had  made  up  my 
m i n d it  h a d 
got  to  die  a Xatural 
Death.  I knew  they 
couldn’t  catch  Grant 
—not  any.  He  is 
too  wise  for  that 
whole  tribe.  To- 
night I got  my  mail 
just  after  dinner.  I 
first  looked  over  the 
Hartford  papers  to 
see  if  I had  failed. 

’Fo  my  great  relief  I 
found  that  I had 
not.  Then  for  the 
Times  to  see  who 
had,  and  it  took  my 
lireath  away  to  read 
the  list,  (t  wanted 
to  send  a green-back 
to  Clews  at  once.)* 

Then  T went  thro’ 
the  Tribune  and  Herald  and  saw  how  splendidly  and  finnly  our 
President  withstood  the  pressure  brot  to  bear  upon  him 

* ilr.  Jewell,  in  his  mention  of  “ failures  ” and  the  pressure  brought  to  bear  upon 
the  President,  refers  to  the  panic  of  18V3,  some  account  of  which  will  be  found  in  a 
succeeding  chapter.  , 


A MIDSUMMF.R  NIGHT'S  DRCAM 

JV1.IClC«A»rTTM»'lf>TMCCHAr)OABOrTXOnnSCCnMKDVAFrnnoimiTOn.IK«tTAI.L‘^WBI.tTBAT£NDSWS;i.l. 


280 


THOMAS  NAST 


,..  ,.•■•:*  .r  ^'P:. 


daiij^liters 


to  do  an  illegal 
act. 

He  lias  the  level- 
est  old  head  on  his 
shoulders  of  any 
man  living.  I just 
took  the  papers  and 
read  them  all  aloud 
to  my  wife  and 
and  we 
him  three 
cheers  (mentally, 
for  we  live  in  apart- 
ni  e n t s)  and  e x- 
claimed,  “ I’ll  write 
Grant  how  glad  I 
am  before  I go  to 
bed.”  !Madam  .Jew- 
ell took  me  down  by 
saying,  “Yes,  you’ll 
gush.” 

Yon  see,  friend 
Thomas,  she  knows 
me.  8he  said: 

“ You  had  better 
read  your  religions 
literature  and  after 
that  your  magazines 
and  write  when  yon 
get  cool.”  I was 
liere  directed  to  the 
Tndeiiendent  for  my 
religions  consolation  and  to  Old  and  New,  the  Galaxy,  Harjier’s 
IMonthly,  and  at  the  bottom  of  the  ])ile  tlie  AVeekly.  I loft  the 
best  for  the  last  (as  we  used  to  eat  pie)  as  I not  only  like  the  pic- 
tures but  like  Air.  Curtis  and  what  he  says.  Fancy  my  delight, 
the  greatei-  that  it  was  unexpected. 

The  eyes  of  the  Saints  of  old  were  not  so  gladdened  by  the 
sight  of  the  “ Promised  Land  ” as  were  mine  at  beholding  your 
two  cartoons.  I tried  to  take  hold  of  your  well-known  “ phist  ” 
in  the  corner  and  shake  it. 

“ lie’s  going  for  ’em,”  screamed  T to  my  quiet  family.  “ Tie’ll 
soon  stop  this  nonsense.”  I quickly  explained  and  exhibited. 

“ A"on  had  l)etter  gush  at  Nast.”  (I  thank  thee.  Airs.  .Jewell, 
for  teaching  me  that  word.) 


THE  GRAPHIC  S CARTOOX  OF  NAST  AT  WORK  AGAIN 


A TRIP  ABROAD  AND  AN  ENGAGEMENT  AT  HOME  281 


I am  so  delighted  that  I forgive  the  Editor  for  calling  me  a 
“ pinguid  ” gentleman,  which  he  did  on  page  874  of  the  same 
paper.  I quite  shook  in  my  slippers  at  being  called  such  a dread- 
ful name  till  I drew  consolation  from  "Webster’s  Unabridged. 

You  have  a firm  grip  and  now  you  are  back  again  I have  no 
fear  of  a cessation  of  hostilities.  Do  you  ever  see  Locke?  If 
so  say  that  an  exile  thinks  the  “ x roads  ” should  be  heard  from. 
I value  your  pencil  and  his  pen  more  than  all  the  other  makers 
of  warfare  which  exist  in  our  party. 

I feel  a long  way  “ off  soundings  ” now  and  take  to  the  news 
from  America  gi’eatly. 

I like  the  place  on  the  whole  very  much  indeed,  tho  the  cold 
is  said  to  be  very  disgusting.  But  the  city  is  clean,  well  ordered 
and  lighted,  very  attractive  and  pleasant.  A fine  looking  class 
of  people  too,  the  men  of  the  upper  classes  particularly. 

"Wish  you  could  be  out  here  this  winter  and  see  and  depict 
the  festivities.  Yours  truly, 

Marshall  Jewell. 

Mr.  Jewell  was  correct  in  his  belief  that  there  would  be  no 
“ cessation  of  hostilities  ” on  the  part  of  the  cartoonist. 

The  first  Ca?sar  cartoon  was  followed  up  with  other  pictures 
of  a similar  nature  until  the  Herald  was  ready  to  desist,  at  which 
point  Bennett  is  cartooned  as  crying  mercy  to  Nast,  who  sits 
Harp(er)ing  asinine  music  to  the  editor’s  sickened  ear.* 

* While  the  Herald  affected  to  be  perfectly  serious  in  its  “ Csesarism  ” scare,  it 
seems  far  more  likely,  now,  that  Mr.  Bennett,  who  was  in  those  days  an  irrepressible 
joker,  was  all  the  time  enjoying  the  huge  burlescjue  of  the  outcry.  Certainly,  to  the 
present-day  reader  the  following  extracts  have  the  ring  of  banter: 

“What  is  the  question  in  the  United  States?  No  more,  no  less  than  this:  Shall 
we  have  a republican  form  of  government?  We  dismiss  from  consideration  all 
sentimental  and  fantastic  questions.  It  is  not  whether  we  shall  have  protection  or 
free  trade,  suffrage  to  one  class  or  another,  centralization  or  State  rights.  These 
questions  will  determine  themselves.  But  shall  we  have  a republican  form  of  gov- 
ernment? ....  He  (Grant)  is  as  completely  master  as  was  ever  Jefferson, 
Jackson  or  Lincoln.  Never  was  a President  so  submissively  obeyed.  Never  was  a 
party  so  dominant.  Every  department  of  the  government,  nearly  every  large  State, 
the  army,  the  navy,  the  bench — even  this  great  State  and  still  greater  metropolis 
which  stood  all  the  assaults  of  Lincoln  when  in  the  fulness  and  glory  of  triumphant 
war — all,  all  are  in  the  hands  of  his  followers.  . . . Rome  had  no  more  living 

issue  than  when,  on  the  Supercal,  IMark  Antony  offered  the  kingly  crown  to  Julius 
Caesar.  And  the  men  who  are  in  authority  under  General  Grant  are  many  of  them 
as  eager  to  do  him  honor  as  were  the  shouting  Romans  who  surrounded  Caesar  in 
his  triumphs.  ...  To  dismiss  our  President  would  be  a revolution,  and  while 


283 


THOMAS  NAST 


no  one  cares  to  dismiss  him,  we  see  ourselves  drifting  upon  the  rock  of  Caesarism, 
smoothly,  pleasantly,  silently,  swiftly  drifting  upon  a danger  even  greater  than  that 
which  menaced  either  Spain  or  France — We  mean  the  third  term  idea.  We  re- 
member that  the  crown  was  thrice  offered  on  the  Supercal,  and  although  thrice  re- 
fused, each  time  it  was  with  less  and  less  reluctance.  And  we  can  name  twenty 
Mark  Antonys  in  our  city  who  would  carry  the  crown  of  a third  nomination  to  Gen- 
eral Grant  with  pride  and  swiftness.” 

Expressions  like  these  filled  many  columns,  almost  dail}’,  and  curiously  enough 
affected  not  only  an  element  of  the. public,  hut  other  leading  journals.  At  another 
time,  referring  to  the  military  qualifications  of  Grant,  the  Herald  in  a “ communi- 
cation ” said : 

“ Grant’s  victories  were  won  by  a dogged  determination  not  to  know  when  dis- 
aster came,  and  though  he  was  whipped  several  times  during  the  march  through  the 
Wilderness  he  never  knew  it.  Was  there  anything  brilliant  in  that?” 

That  Grant  should  have  been  “ whipped  without  knowing  it,”  seems  a fact  worth 
preserving.  Certainly  there  is  no  record  of  his  enemies  ever  having  made  such  a 
mistake.  One  can  imagine  Mr.  Bennett  smiling  audibly  when  he  wrote  or  approved 
that  line. 


CIlAPTEli  XXXII 

A MAliCIl  OF  TKIUMIMI  AND  MUCH  PUOFIT 

Put  though  long  i)ostponed  the  inevitable  must  come  at  last. 
Summer  waned  and  died,  and  with  the  advent  of  the  entertain- 
ment season  the  first  night  of  the  Nast  Lecture  Series  drew  near. 
Long  since,  his  schedule  had  been  arranged,  extendftig  through- 
out the  East  and  for  a distance  into  the  Middle  West.  His  enter- 
prising press  agent  had  advertised  him  as  the  “ Prince  of  Cari- 
caturists,” the  ” Destroyer  of  Tammany,”  and  a multitude  of 
loyal  countrymen  were  waiting  the  day  of  his  coming. 

But  the  “ Prince  ” himself  was  in  a bad  way — grievously 
frightened  and  half  ill  with  the  ordeal  ahead.  It  was  at  Pea- 
body, ^Massachusetts,  on  the  evening  of  October  Gth,  1873,  that 
he  made  his  beginning.  To  Kedpath  he  said:  ” You  got  me  into 
this  scrape;  you’ll  have  to  go  on  the  platform  with  me.”  And 
this  Kedpath  did,  sitting  in  a chair  close  behind  the  artist. 

Yet  it  seemed  a tragic  occasion.  Kedpath  confessed  afterward 
that  never  in  his  long  career  had  he  seen  a man  so  badly  fright- 
ened. The  hero  who  had  laughed  at  the  threats  of  desperate 
men  and  despised  the  censures  and  derision  of  the  press,  found 
his  lips  dry  and  his  knees  as  water  before  an  audience  of  admir- 
ing friends.  He  was  ghastly  pale  and  there  were  heavy  beads 
of  dew  upon  his  bi’ow.  Perhaps  in  that  dire  moment  Kedpath 
had  visions  of  the  “ twenty  thousand  profit  ” slipping  away. 


284 


THOMAS  NAST 


Yet  somehow  the  man  of  caricature  got  started.  Somehow 
he  got  confidence— somehow  won  the  goodwill  of  the  audience. 
The  spectators  sat  breathless  as  they  watched  the  pictures  grow 
under  his  hand,  while  he  told  them  something  of  his  work  and 
its  beginnings.  Nor  did  they  fail  to  cheer  as  each  sketch  was 
completed,  nor  to  ai^plaud  at  the  proper  points  of  his  address.* 

And  so  the  thing  was  done— the  great  beginning  was  made. 
The  Peabody  Press  spoke  in  terms  of  praise  of  the  entertain- 
ment, only  suggesting  that  the  lecturer  speak  a little  louder 
in  future,  and  this,  with  growing  courage  and  confidence,  he  did. 
He  had  a natural  faculty  for  impersonation.  Often  at  home  he 
had  amused  the  juvenile  members  of  the  family  with  imitations 
of  the  French  teacher  and  eccentric  callers.  This  talent  now 
came  in  good  play,  and  added  to  the  success  of  his  exhibitions. 

Early  in  November  he  was  in  Boston,  with  a crowded  house  at 
Tremont  Plall,  by  which  time  he  had  gained  sufficient  courage  to 
have  Mrs.  Nast  present,  though  Bedpath  had  discouraged  this 
idea.  On  the  18th  he  reached  New  York  City,  where,  at  Stein- 
way Hall  (in  the  language  of  the  Tribune,  which  would  appear 
to  have  become  friendly  once  more),  “ his  audience  filled  ever}’’ 
inch  of  space.  ’ ’ 

Of  the  New  York  papers,  only  the  Herald  was  inclined  to  ridi- 
cule the  cartoonist’s  efforts  in  the  lecture  field.  Mr.  Bennett, 
who  perhaps  felt  that  he  must  have  revenge  for  the  Ca'sarism 
caricatures,  started  a mock  subscription  for  the  indigent  artist 
who  was  “ obliged  to  go  abroad  in  the  land  to  relieve  his  family 
from  want.”  ” The  Blackboard  Martyr,”  ” Neglected  Nast,” 
” Abandoned  Thomas,”  “A  Distressed  Artist,”  these  were  some 
of  the  headings  of  this  daily  hoax  column,  and  letters  of  pseudo- 
commiseration and  crocodile  lamentation  were  printed  from  day 

* From  Xast’s  letter  home  : “ It’s  done  ! The  people  seemed  pleased,  but  I’m  not. 
When  I draw,  all  eyes  are  on  me  and  the  silence  is  dreadful.  But  when  I get  through, 
their  pleasure  is  very  loud.  There  was  no  backing  out.  I offered  Hedpath  money — 
begged  him  to  let  me  off,  but  all  no  go.  Last  night  I slept  better.  Write  again  soon  to 
your  travelling  circus  boy.” 


A MARCH  OF  TRIUMPH  AND  MUCH  PROFIT 


285 


to  day,  with  a list  of  the  articles  contributed— old  shoes,,  broken 
umbrellas,  cancelled  postage  stamps,  bad  pennies  and  sometimes 
a few  cents  of  genuine  money. 

Those  were  the  good  old  days  of  give  and  take  personalities, 
and  Bennett  enjoyed  hugely  this  successful  burlesque,  which  he 
kept  going  for  a consideral)le  ])eriod.  In  one  issue  the  Herald 
facetiously  likened  Nast’s  entertainment  to  Dan  Brj’ant’s  cele- 
brated singing  of  “ Shoo,  Fly!  ” 
which  suggested  to  Nast  his  only 
reply — a small  cartoon  entitled 
“ Shoo,  Fly!  ” in  which  he  de- 
picted himself  as  brushing  away 
the  Herald  insect,  while  a carica- 
ture of  the  “ Cffisar  Ghost,”  a car- 
icature of  a caricature,  appears 
on  the  blackboard  near  at  hand. 

All  this  was  good  advertising 
for  the  lectures,  had  they  needed  “shoo,  fly!” 

it.  But  they  did  not.  The  name  of  Nast  was  enough.  For  seven 
months  he  went  uj)  and  down  the  land  in  a continuous  march 
of  triumph.  The  wildest  financial  estimates  of  Kedpath  had 
been  doubled,  and  forty  thousand  dollars  was  the  increase  when, 
in  May,  the  long  migration  ceased.  The  mortgage  on  the  home 
was  no  longer  a thing  of  dread.  The  ” Prince  of  Caricaturists  ” 
had  become  a comparatively  rich  man. 

Of  course  the  delight  of  Kedpath  was  unbounded.  He  had 
made  his  word  doubly  good,  and  he  had  earned  a large  commis- 
sion for  himself.  In  addition  to  the  latter,  Nast  sent  him  a per- 
sonal check  for  five  hundred  dollars — a gift  which  Redpath  at 
first  regarded  as  a joke.  Then  one  day  it  was  suggested  to  him 
that  he  try  to  cash  it.  He  did  so  and  found  it  a better  joke  than 
he  had  thought.  No  one  ever  had  played  so  good  a joke  on  him 
before. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII 


THE  SKIIiMISH  LINE  OF  EVENTS 

Nast’s  pencil  had  not  been  idle 
during  liis  lecture  tour.  His 
days  were  liis  own,  and  the  Har- 
per engraving  blocks  had  fol- 
lowed him,  to  be  retunied  bear- 
ing timely  cartoons.  It  would 
have  been  better  for  him  had  he 
worked  less  continuously.  The 
use  of  his  hand,  night  and  day, 
resulted  in  a lameness  from  which 
he  never  entirely  recovered.  Yet 

FINE-ASS  COMMITTEE  . i t i 

With  tlie  Harpers  more  anxious 
than  ever  for  his  work,  it  was  not  easy  to  refuse.  After  his 
Boston  lecture  the  firm  wrote  him: 

What  a splendid  advertisement  the  Herald  has  given  you. 
I see  they  shut  up  to-day.  At  this  writing,  ten  A.M.,  your 
“ comic  ” has  not  come  to  hand.  Give  us  all  the  time  you  can 
and  let  us  hear  from  you  as  often  as  convenient. 

The  conviction  of  Tweed  and  his  sentence  to  Blackwell’s  Isl- 
and for  twelve  years  the  artist-lecturer  recorded  in  a front  page 
entitled  “ Justice,”  and  among  the  letters  received  at  this  time  is 
one  relating  to  this  incident  which  seems  woilli  preseiwing. 


THE  SKIRMISH  LINE  OF  EFENTS 


287 


]\Iost  Excellent  Xast: 

Tweed  is  convicted,  and  no  one  lias  done  more  than  you  to 
brin^  this  about. 

There  is  not  a g^ood  security  in  the  United  States  that  is  not 
worth  more  to-day  than  it  was  yesterday. 

There  is  not  a knave  in  the  countiy  that  has  not  reason  to 
fear  you: — there  is  not  an  honest  man  that  does  not  owe  you 
thanks.  J.  J>.  Brown. 

New])ort,  K.  I.,  Nov.  20,  1873. 

The  Spanish-Cuban  question,  involving  the  capture  of  the 
American  steamship  Virginias  and  the  shooting  of  her  officers 
and  crew  as  filibusters  by  Spanish  authorities  in  Cuba,  called 
for  liberal  pictorial  comment.  That  the  Virginius  was  a fili- 
Inister  could  hardy  be  doubted,  but  the  slaughter  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men,  after  little  or  no  trial,  was  a drastic  measure 
which  came  near  resulting  in  the  war  which  followed  a quarter 
of  a century  later. 

The  panic  of  1873,  brought  about  by  the  failure  of  Jay  Cooke 
& Co.— due  to  their  inabilityto  carry  an  over-burden  of  Northern 
Pacific  securities  through  those  troublous  times— resulted  in  the 
failure  or  suspension  of  a score  or  more  of  other  inqiortant  houses 
and  a second  “ Black  Friday  ” — a day  of  madness  on  the  Stock 
Exchange.  It  also  inspired  Nast  to  fire  a direct  shot  for  his  hero. 


288 


THOMAS  NAST 


Grant,  A committee  of  brokers  had  urged  the  President  to  re- 
lieve the  situation  by  lending  the  treasurj"  reserve  of  $44,000,000 
to  the  city  banks.  This,  Grant  had  declined  to  do,  as  being  with- 
out warrant  of  the  law.  He  offered  as  a substitute  to  buy  as  fast 
as  otfered  the  5-20  bonds  of  1881— a wise  and  conseiwative 
measure  which  went  far  to  reduce  the  financial  fevers  of  an  over- 
wrought and  over-bought  market.  Grant,  as  ‘ ‘ "Watchdog  of  the 
Treasury,”  was  Nast’s  summary  of  the  situation,  with  a placard 
bearing  the  words  of  his  reply  to  the  brokers. 

” You  can  violate  the  law;  the  banks  may  violate  the  law  and 
be  sustained  in  doing  so,  but  the  President  of  the  United  States 
cannot  violate  the  law.” 

The  press  united  in  applauding  Grant  for  this  action.  The 
Herald  forgot  its  cry  of  Cjesarism  and  joined  in  the  general  ap- 
proval. In  an  editorial  it  said: 

The  i)olicy  of  the  government  has  proved  as  wise  as  it  was 
moderate.  We  cannot  too  much  praise  the  course  of  President 
Grant,  for  it  has  probably  saved  the  country  from  a great  finan- 
cial crash. 

Yet  in  spite  of  the  President’s  commendable  panic  policy,  he 
received  a liberal  share  of  blame  for  the  depressed  financial  con- 
ditions which  followed.  "When  times  are  unprosperous,  what- 
ever may  be  the  cause,  it  is  natural  to  cry  out  against  the 

Goveniment;  also  to  propose  cu- 
rious and  absurd  nostrums  of 
relief. 

Inflation  was  the  popular 
quackery  of  the  moment,  a plan 
for  the  expansion  of  the  national 
currency  without  increase  of  se- 
curity, favored  by  a number  of 
well-known  senators  and  con- 
gressmen, who  were  prone  to 

PECULIAR  POSITION  OF  SOMK  MEMBERS  WHEN  1 1.  • i?  Pi.*  ^ ^ 

ASKED  TO  REFUND  THE  BACK-PAY  GRAB  IHIU  cl  DriGI  COlIlIOrt  111  SOplllStTy 


28!) 


THE  SKIRMISH  LIKE  OF  EVENTS 


BY  INFLATION  YOU  WILL  BUKST 

<<  Tin)-.'!'  ” UNCLE  Sam-"  You  stupid  Money-Bapr!  there  is  just  so  much  Money  In  you  j 

(♦  o«v  »«/»*•..  ».v  V>l/\\vi»iir  Vrtlirsj»lf 


and  a day’s  pleas- 
ure in  rainbow  pur- 
suits. Against  this 
imaginative  contin- 
gent were  arrayed 
tliose  wlio  were  for 
specie  payment, dol- 
lar for  dollar,  at  the 
earliest  possible 
moment. 

Both  Harper’s 
"Weekly  and  Xast 
were  firmly  for  re- 
sumption,  and  the 

t'NCLK  SAM— ••  YOU  siupiu  .uom*y-na(r:  iiiyw  its  mi 

and  you  can  not  make  it  any  more  by  blowinjf  yourself  up. 

—a  m o n e y b a g 
which  blows  itself 
up  until  it  bursts— 
made  its  appearance 
on  December  20, 

1878.  The  symbol 
thus  invented  has 

been  frequently  used  let  well  enough  alone,  and  don-t  make  it  worse 

Money  is  light,  but  let  it  recover  itwlf  Stimulants  or  inflation  only  bring 

by  later  cartoonists.  sounder  bttsis 

The  “ Salary  Grab  ” bill— a measure  championed  by  General 
Butler — which  increased  the  pay  of  congressmen  and  senators 
from  five  thousand  to  seven  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  a 
year,  with  back  pay  for  time  served,  had  proven  a most  un- 
popular bit  of  legislation  and  its  repeal  was  imminent.  The  situ- 
ation of  certain  members  who  had  drawn  the  back  pay  and  were 
now  asked  to  refund  was  humorously  depicted  by  Nast.  The  law 


was  abolished  early  in  seventy-four,  except  in  so  far  as  it  con- 
cerned the  President,  whose  salary  had  been  doubled,  and  the 


290 


THOMAS  NAST 


Supreme  Court 
Judges,  whose  in- 
crease was  consid- 
ered just.  Many 
members  liad  not 
drawn  their  back 
pay  and  most  of 
those  who  had  done 
so  retunied  it.  Thus 
was  public  indigna- 
tion appeased. 

Seventy-four  was 
a year  big  with 
events  — some  of 
tliem  great,  others 
small, l)ut  often  fore- 
shadowingthelarger 

I rte.  or  IN  DANOKR.  ■*  • j I 

T^^Fi-Fo-F'umr  OnOM  of  MuMcbuMttM  ma*Ua  Blu*  Blood.  1 1 J )G  11 1 11  01  tll0 

future.  The  cartoons  were  many,  and  the  fact  that  during  the 
first  half  of  the  year  Xast  was  on  his  lecture  tour  did  not 
lessen  them  either  in  number  or  effect. 

Financial  conditions  continued  troublesome.  General  Butler, 
the  genie  of  the  “ Salary  Grab  ” and  Inflation,  was  jiortrayed 
as  a menace  to  “ The  Cradle  of  Liberty,”  frightening  iNlassa- 
chusetts  with  his  grim  and  growing  power.  Again,  as  one  of  the 
evil  shades  conjured  l>y  the  })ress,  he  was  shown  declaring  that 
” Grant  will  not  veto  the  Inflation  Bill.”  But  this  was  a mis- 
taken sentiment  on  the  part  of  Butler,  for  the  expansion  measure 
which,  under  the  lead  of  Senator  Morton  of  Indiana,  Logan  of 
Illinois,  and  General  Butler,  had  been  carried  through  both 
houses,  met  with  a prompt  veto  from  General  Grant.  Koscoe 
Conkling,  its  leading  opponent,  avowed  that  the  bill  ” spumed 
the  ex])erience  of  all  history  and  trampled  upon  the  plighted 


THE  SKIRMISH  LINE  OF  EJ'ENTS 


291 


faith  of  the  nation.”  Stewart  of  Xevathi  added  that  the 
day  of  its  passage  was  “ the  saddest  he  had  ever  seen  in  the 
Senate,  and  would  long  be  remembered  by  the  American  people.” 
The  President’s  veto  of  this  questionable  financial  measure  was 
declared  by  Curtis  to  be  the  ” most  important  event  of  the  ad- 
ministration.” Nast  recorded  it  in  the  “ Cradle  of  Liberty 
Out  of  Danger,”  showing  the  genie,  Butler,  bottled  again.  Once 
more  the  New  York  dailies  for  a brief  moment  united  in  their 
approval  of  Grant.  Even  those  who  had  been  most  critical 
were  unstinted  in  their  praises. 

Yet  Grant  himself  was  desirous  of  some  measure  of  financial 
relief.  Earlier  in  the  year  he  had  expressed  a belief  that  the 
amount  of  circulating  medium  was  unnecessarily  small,  and  had 
suggested  ” free  l)anking  ” as  a possible  remedy.  To  a layman 
it  is  difficult  to  un- 
derstand how  this 
would  have  helped 
matters,  as,  indeed, 
it  is  alwaj's  difficult 
to  understand  any 
method  of  financial 
easement,  whether 
of  government  or  in- 
dividual, which  does 
not  proceed  from  the 
sale  or  pledge  of 
some  property  of 
undoubted  value  in 
exchange  for  a me- 
dium whose  integ- 
rity is  unquestioned 
and  likelv  to  remain 

THF.  CRADIX  OF  LIBERTY  OUT  OF  DANOER. 

unimpaired 


“peevish  SCHOOJ.BOYS,  WOKTHLESS  OF  SUCH  HONOU  ” 

(Senators  Logan,  Morton,  Cameron  and  Carpenter  annoyed.  Tipton,  Schurz,  P'enton, 
Conkling  and  others  in  the  di.stance) 

CITAPTKK'  XXXI V 

^'E^V  .SYMltOL.'^,  AND  fLESAHISM 

Financial  tlissensions  now  divided  and  weakened  Itotli  parties, 
and  the  (Jreenback  leaders  did  not  fail  to  receive  punishment 
from  X"ast,  who  had  little  ])atience  with  their  theories  concerning 
the  circulating  value  of  stamped  ])a])er  liased  on  a jtledge  which 
did  not  exist— a promise  never  meant  to  be  fulfilled. 

In  the  AVeekly  for  ^lay  2d,  1874,  is  a small  cartoon  entitled 
“ Inflation  is  ‘ as  Easy  as  Lying.’  ” Capital  is  tearing  the  dollar 
into  two  })arts  to  pay  Labor,  the  latter  personified  in  the  square 
cap  and  apron  we  have  learned  to  know  so  well  in  the  cartoons 
of  to-day.  The  labor  symbol  he  had  made  use  of  earlier  in  the 
year  (Feb.  7)  in  a small  cartoon,  entitled  “ The  American 
Twins,”  but  the  idea  of  dividing  the  dollar,  which  has  since 
done  duty  in  a hundred  fonns,  was  here  used  for  the  first  time. 


XEJr  SYMIWLS,  AND  CAESAltlSM 


293 


The  faces  of  Logan,  O.  P.  Morton,  Simon  Cameron,  and  Mat- 
thew II.  Carpenter  often  appeared  in  the  inflation  pictures,  and 
these  statesmen  were  considerably  annoyed  in  consequence. 

“ Little  Xast  thinks  he  can  teach  statesmen  how  to  run  the 
government!  ” Logan  growled  one  day.  “ Anybody  might  think 
he  runs  it  himself!  ” 

‘‘  Never  mind,  Logan,”  said  Colonel  Chipman,  consolingly, 
“ it  is  a distinction  to  be  really  caricatured  by  Nast.  Just  think 
what  it  would  be  to  be  indicated  by  a tag.” 

Curtis,  with  whom  Xast  was  on  terms  of  great  amity  at  this 
moment,  wrote  an  editorial  defence  of  the  inflation  caricatures, 
while  Xast  poi'trayed  the  “ Greenback  ” group  as  ” Peevish 
Schoolboys,  "Worthless  of  Such  Honor,”  though  it  is  doubtful  if 
they  ever  discovered  the  point  of  ” honor  ” in  his  attentions. 

It  was  in  1874  that  Xast  began  a series  of  i)ictures  in  defence 


ot  the  Kegnlar 
Army  and  Xavy 
against  those  parsi- 
monious legislators 
who  sought  to  gain 
credit  with  their 
constituents  by  re- 
ducing the  expense 
of  maintaining  the 
country’s  defenders. 

Such  economists 
were  quite  willing 
that  the  uneasy  In- 
dians should  be 
quieted,  and  that  the 
nation’s  dignity  and 
commerce  sliould  be 

oared  for  on  the  “there  is  nothing  mean  ahout  rs” 

Ukcle  Sam— “ What  Congress  proposes  to  reduce  our  Army  end  Xavy  to.” 


THOMAS  NAST 


2!J4 


liigli  seas,  but  they  saw  an  opportunity  of  personal  aggrandise- 
ment in  offering  bills  to  reduce  public  expenditures,  and  it  mat- 
tered little  to  tlieni  that  soldier  and  sailor  went  poorly  clad  and 
meanly  fed. 

Xast  symbolized  the  heroes  on  sea  and  shore  as  the  “ Skeleton 
Anny  and  Xavy,”  reduced  by  the  farce  of  “ Retrenchment  ” 
until  they  had  become  a reproach  to  the  government  they  pro- 
tected. These  pictures  brought  many  and  grateful  letters  from 
officers  who  were  battling  Indians  in  the  sage-brush  of  the  fron- 
tier, or  cruising  the  high  seas,  afar  from  home  and  kindred. 

It  was  just  at  this  time  that  Xast  drew  his  only  picture  against 
Grant.  It  came  as  the  result  of  a reap])ointment  by  the  President 
of  Alexander  R.  Shepherd  as  Governor  of  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, and  the  ovei'whelming  rejection  of  the  nomination  l)y  the 

Senate.  Shepherd, 
known  afterwards 
as  “ As])halt  ” Shep- 
herd, had  spent  vast 
sums  in  the  im- 
]u*ovement  of  the 
capital,  and  it  was 
generally  believed 
that  he  had  made  a 
personal  ])rofit  from 
these  ex]ienditures. 
As  a result,  the  gov- 
eniment  of  the  Dis- 
trict had  l)een  reor- 
ganized, and  the 
President’s  reap- 
pointment of  the 
man  who  had  made 
this  step  necessary 


Dou’t  let  us  have  any  more  of  this  nonsense.  It  is  a Rood  trait  to  stand 
by  one's  friends;  but — ” 

nast’s  one  cartoon  against  GR.\NT 


NEJr  SYMBOLS.  AND  CAESARISM  295 

was  regarded  as  indiscreet,  despite  the  fact  of  liis  implicit  faith 
in  Shepherd— a faith  which  later  years  are  said  to  have  justified. 
Lavish  and  even  extravagant  Shepherd  may  have  been,  hut  it 
is  not  now  believed  that  he  profited  by  the  money  he  spent, 
while  to  him  personally  is  due  the  fact  that  ’Washington,  “ from 
an  ill-paved,  ill-lighted,  unattractive  city,  became  a model  of 
regularity,  cleanliness  and  beauty.”*  Yet  the  truth  of  this 
could  not  be  known  then,  and  for  the  President — already  held 

resi)onsible  for  many  unfortunate 
appointments— to  have  thrust  his 
personal  friend  directly  in  the 
face  of  the  people  who  would 
have  none  of  him,  would  seem  to 
have  justified  this  single  stroke 
of  censure  from  his  ablest  and 
most  faithful  defender,  Thomas 
Xast. 

The  cartoon  made  a great  stir, 
and  it  was  loudly  proclaimed 
“THEUE  IT  IS  again!”  that  Nast  had  finally  abandoned 

Grant.  The  Tribune  of  July  10  printed  a column  editorial  wel- 
coming the  artist  as  the  latest  recruit  to  the  ranks  of  ” Inde- 
pendent .Journalism,”  which 
General  Butler  had  character- 
ized as  having  ” a forty  jackass 
mud-throwing  power.” 

Perhaps  on  the  strength  of  the 
anti-Grant  cartoon,  and  the  fact 
that  Nast  had  taken  his  family 
for  a brief  trip  abroad,  the 
Herald  felt  safe  in  renewing  its 
noisy  cry  of  Cnesarism,  and  its 

1KFT.ATION  IS  “AS  EAST  AS  LYING  “ 

• Blaine.  the  cap  of  labor  and  the  divided  dollar 


290 


THOMAS  NAST 


protests  against  a third  tenn — an  honor  which  Grant,  at  that 
time,  neither  sought  nor  desired. 

But  if  Mr.  Bennett  believed  that  the  cartoonist  had  forsaken 
the  Administration  he  was  not  long  deceived.  “ There  it  is 
again  ” (a  block  despatched  hastily  from  London),  was  one  of 
Nast’s  most  humorous  burlesques  of  the  Ciesarism  scare,  and 
“ Ca'sarphobia  ” was  an  effective  summary  of  the  situation. 
In  this  picture,  the  Herald  owner,  as  Nick  J3ottom,  is  prancing 
about  Grant,  the  Lion,  and  saying  to  him  “ Do  you  insist  on  run- 
ning for  a third  term!  Do  you  insist  on  being  a Coesar?  Answer 
quick,  or— or— or  Lll  bray!  ” Later,  when  the  Tribune  joined 

in  the  cry,  Mr.  Ben- 
nett was  depicted  as 
mounted  on  the 
“ Third  Term  Hob- 
by,” insisting  that 
AV  h i t e 1 a w Rei  d 
should  l)e  content 
with  riding  behind. 
These  were  really 
remarkable  cari- 
catures, notably 
good-humored,  and 
doubtless  enjoyed  as 
much  by  the  sub- 
jects of  them  as  by 
the  public.  Henry 
AVatterson,  in  the 
Courier  - Journal  — 
himself  opposed  to 
Grant  and  inclined 
to  echo  the  Third 

THE  HOBBY  IN  THE  KINDEU-GARTEN  Tonil  CfY refOlTOCl 

Junior  Bknnett— “ You  must  take  a l>at*k  scat.  I was  on  first.”  •' 


XEJr  SYMBOLS,  AXD  CAESARISM 


207 


to  them  as  “ the 
most  jnci’aphic  utter- 
ances from  that  side 
of  the]iolitiealaligu- 
meiit.”  The  Herald 
merely  suggested 
that  :\I  r.  N a s t 
seemed  to  have  “ex- 
hausted the  gro- 
tesque resources  of 
his  trade  in  endeav- 
oring to  show  that 
the  issue  (Ciesar- 
ism)  had  no  exist- 
ence. ’ ’ 

Curtis  and  Xast 
ai)pear  to  have  been 
on  excellent  tenns  the  mere  shadow  has  still  some  backbone 

. . . T " Our  Standing  Army  ” stands  in  Bpite  of  political  false  economy 

during  this  period. 

Among  the  letters  we  find  one  from  J.  . Haiqier,  Jr.  (knovn 
as  “ Joe  Brooklyn  who  was  always  a friend  to  Xast, 
calling  attention  to  a complimentary  editorial  hy  Curtis  on 
the  recent  cartoons,  and  suggesting  that  the  artist  send  to  the 
editor  a word  of  acknowledgment.  That  X^ast  must  have 
done  so  is  indicated  hy  a letter  to  him  from  Cuitis,  dated  a few 
days  later,  in  which  the  editor  expresses  thanks,  and  asks  con- 
ceiTiing  the  artist’s  welfare  and  ])lans.  lie  adds  that  he  has  sent 
a copy  of  his  “ Sumner  Address,’’  and  this  copy  of  that  beauti- 
ful eulogv  on  the  dead  statesman  is  still  preser^  ed. 

Benewed  Indian  outbreaks  and  the  promptness  and  bravery  of 
the  Army  of  the  Frontier,  offered  occasion  for  another  picture  of 
the  “ skeleton  army,’’  hampered  hy  red  tape  yet  still  at  its  post, 
and  further  letters  of  appreciation  came  from  officers  at  the 


298 


THOMAS  XAST 


front.  One  of  these,  from  Major  John  Burke,  of  Colorado, 
said : 

Your  caricatures,  in  the  opinion  of  the  enlisted  men  of  the 
anny,  do  us  more  real  good  than  all  the  political  speeches  made. 
The  one  representing  “ Anny  Backlmne  ” is  suiter  excellent,  and 
all  men  out  on  the  frontier  service  thank  you  for  it.  AVe  expect 
after  having  spent  all  our  ammunition  in  target  practice,  to  have 
to  put  up  a large  sign-hoard  with  the  lettering  “ All  Indians 
AVill  Please  Keep  Off  the  Keseiwation,  as  Ammunition  is  Ex- 
pended. The  II.  S.  being  Unable  to  Allow  more  than  $3.00  per 
Annum  for  Ammunition.” 

General  John  C.  Kobinson,  Lieutenant  Governor  of  New  York, 
wrote : 

As  an  old  officer  of  the  Army  and  one  having  its  interests  at 
heart,  1 desire  to  thank  yon  for  the  admirable  illustrations  in 
llarj)er’s  Weekly. 

In  addition  to  the  bill  for  reductions  of  the  Army,  there  is  now 
pending  in  the  senate  a bill  to  reduce  the  rank  and  pay  of  the 
officers,  retired  from  active  service  on  account  of  wounds  re- 
ceived in  battle.  How  soon  the  promises  made  have  been  for- 
gotten! Very  truly  yours, 

John  C.  Robinson. 

As  the  autumn  elections  drew  on,  it  became  evident  that  the 
political  tide  had  tunied  and  that  Democracy  was  likely  to  win 
a measure  of  triumph.  The  Nation’s  financial  condition  had  not 
improved,  and  the  party  in  power  was  held  responsible  for  con- 
ditions of  agriculture,  manufacture  and  trade.  In  the  South, 
anti-negro  societies — known  under  the  name  of  the  White 
Leaguers — were  organized  to  secure  a “ white  man’s  goveni- 
ment,”  old  ku-klux  practices  were  revived,  and  reports  of  riot 
and  bloodshed  began  to  disgrace  the  nation.  In  New  York  State 
Samuel  J.  Tilden  was  the  legitimate  candidate  for  the  Govenior- 
ship,  and  his  election  over  Governor  l)ix  seemed  probable.  Ilis 
active  leadership  dated  from  the  moment  he  had  so  opportunely 
entered  the  fight  against  the  Tammany  Ring  three  years  before, 
and  his  path  to  Washington  liy  way  of  Albany  appeared  broad 
and  plain.  It  was  believed  that  he  would  make  a worthy  State 


Aa  Am,  bavuifi  put  oa  tb«  Lius'i.  •klo,  ro»n«<l  about  la  tb«  ForMt,  aad  amuMd  huuself  bj  Irigbtuuuig  all  tbo  fooIUb  Aoloialj  bo  met  with  iu  bU  waadenoA*.' 


300 


THOMAS  XAST 


official  and  the  campaign  against  him  was  not  severe.  Xast  car- 
ictured  him  hut  once,  representing  him  as  “ A Tammany  Eat,” 
which,  having  escaped  from  a tottering  structure,  had  tunied 
reformer  to  kick  over  the  ruins. 

The  issue  of  the  "Weekly  containing  this  picture,  however,  is 
chiefly  notable  for  another  reason,  for  in  it  appears  the  first  “ Ee- 
publican  Elephant  ” cartoon.  This  now  familiar  symbol,  which 
so  long  has  represented  the  G.  0.  P.  (Grand  Old  Party)  in  Ameri- 
can caricature,  was  originated  by  Xast,  under  the  name  of  “ The 
Eepublican  Vote.”  The  picture  shows  the  collected  animals  of 
the  forest— re})resenting  various  papers,  states  and  issues — 
being  frightened  by  the  donke)'  in  a lion’s  skin  crying  “ Ca'sar- 
ism.”  The  elephantine  Eepublican  Vote,  alanned  like  the 
others,  is  on  the  verge  of  a pitfall  which  is  covered  loosely  by 
various  and  deceptive  planks.  The  Democratic  party,  hitherto 
represented  by  the  Donkey,  which  eventually  became  its  fixed 
symbol,  is  here  inp>ersonated  by  a fox,  whose  face  suggests 
that  of  iMr.  Tilden.  The  cartoon  was  not  only  a striking  but 
important  picture,  introducing,  as  it  did,  the  Eepublican  Ele- 
ifliant  into  American  caricature  foi'  all  time.  It  is  a curious  fact 
that  the  date  of  issue,  November  7,  1874,  was  precisely  three 
years  from  the  publication  of  the  first  Tiger  cartoon.* 

Two  weeks  later,  when  the  results  of  the  various  elections 
were  known,  we  find  the  Ee])ublican  Elephant  plunging  head 
first  into  the  ])itfall,  toward  which  he  had  been  driven  by  the 
Donkey’s  distracting  bray.  In  the  same  issue  of  the  "Weekly 
was  presented  the  assassination  of  the  “ Ca'sarism  Ghost”  by 
the  “ Third  Term  ” editors,  now  that  this  bogus  spectre  was  no 
longei'  needed. 

Eor  Democracy  had  achieved  a victory.  Samnel  J.  Tilden  had 
been  elected  Governor  of  New  York;  William  II.  Wickham  had 

* Weekly  papers,  in  that  day,  were  dated  eonsiderably  in  advance  of  publication. 
Hoth  the  Tiger  and  the  Elephant  symbols  were  first  given  to  the  public  just  prior 
to  autumn  elections. 


XEJr  SYMBOLS,  AND  CAESARISM 


301 


succeeded  AV.  F.  llavemeyer  as  Mayor  of  New  York  City,  while 
for  the  first  time  since  it  l)ecame  a power  the  Itepuhliean  party 
had  lost  control  of  the  House  of  Hei)resentatives  at  Washington. 


Xast  closed  the  year  with  some  pleasantries  at  the  expense  of 


'Sir.  P>eJinett,  who,  with  his  unfailing  fondness  for  a joke,  had 
announced  one  morning— in  startling  headlines,  followed  hy  six 
columns  of  solid  matter— that  the  “ Wild  Animals  ” had 
“ Broken  Loose  in  Central  Park  ” and  that  ‘‘  Terrible  Scenes  of 
^[utilation  ” and  a “ Shocking  Sabbath  Carnival  ” had  ensued. 

It  was  an  excellent  hoax,  and  fooled  and  frightened  many 
r e a d e r s,  but  it 
was  somewbat  un- 
fortunate in  the 
opportunity  it 
offered  for  bur- 
lescpiing  its  perpe- 
trator. For  months 
to  come  “ The  M ild 
Animals  are  Loose 
Again  ” was  likely 
to  be  used  by  Xast 
to  characterize  any 
unusual  statement 
in  the  Herald  col- 
u m ns  and  the 
changes  were  rung 
on  the  theme  until 
iMr.  Bennett  per- 
haps wished  he  had 
kept  his  imaginary 
“ wild  animals  ” 
properly  caged  and 
cared  for.  caught  in  a trap,  the  result  of  the  third-term  hoax 


CHAPTER  XXXV 


VAEIOUS  ISSUES  AND  OPPOSING  POLICIES 


The  heginning  of  1875  was 
marked  by  the  passage  of  the 
“ Resumption  Act  a Repub- 
lican measure,  providing  for  the 
jiayment  of  the  IT.  S.  currency  in 
specie — to  take  effect  four  years 
later.  Xast  commemorated  this 
important  piece  of  legislation  in 
two  cartoons  which  could  hardly 
have  pleased  the  opposing  De- 

MAKING  A FUSS 

-rhe  lost  TraveUcrcondernmn^p^Ae  Post  which iwintsw^  mOCl’aCy,  01’  tllO  twO  Republicail 

senators  and  twenty  representatives  who  had  fought  the  sound 
basis  issue. 

It  was  early  in  seventy-five  that  the  Louisiana  contention  as 
to  whether  William  Pitt  Kellogg  (Rep.)  or  John  McEnery 
(Deni.)  had  been  elected  to  goveni  the  State  became  especially 
fierce  and  bitter.  The  question  was  complicated  by  the  White 
League  element,  and  reports  of  riot  and  bloodshed,  with  inter- 
ference of  the  Military’,  under  General  Sheridan,  aroused  and 
excited  the  nation. 

There  had  been  perjury,  briber^’  and  coercion  on  both  sides 
and  it  was  the  duty  of  Congress  to  decide  which  governor  should 


VARIOUS  ISSUES  AND  OPPOSING  POLICIES 


303 


be  recognized.  But  Congress,  says  Curtis,  liad  l)een  ])usy  dodg- 
ing the  Crledit  Mol)ilier  investigation  and  passing  tlie  “ salary 
grab  ” and  refused  to  do  its  duty.  It  then  l)ecaine  tlie  duty  of 
President  Grant  to  take  action  and  he  recognized  the  Kellogg 
government.  In  doing  so  he  unluckily  gave  reasons  for  his 
actions,  and  the  reasons  were  unsound.  Later,  he  did  not  see  fit 
to  rescind  his  own  claim  and  allowed  it  to  stand. 

Grant’s  recognition  of  the  Kellogg  government  was  not  wholly 
approved  by  his  followers,  and  for  a time  seemed  likely  to  cause 
a split  in  the  party.  This  split  was  especially  noticeable  in  the 
pages  of  blarper’s  Weekly.  The  editorials  were  distinctlyagainst 
the  President’s  policy,  while  the  pictures  of  Xast  supported  it 
throughout.  It  frecpiently  hajipened  that  a cartoon  depicting 
Sheridan  or  Grant  as  heroes  appeared  on  a page,  while  on  the 
reverse  page  was 
printed  an  editorial 
expressing  precisely 
the  opposite  opinion. 

The  inevitable  con- 
troversy, with  a long 
letter  from  Curtis, 
followed.  Xast  had 
naturally  assailed 
the  editors  who  had 
called  u])on  Gi*ant 
to  resign  in  favor  of 
Wilson,  caricaturing 
!Mr.  Bennett  as  the 
“ Hoax  ” editor, 

Bon  Piatt  as  “ Don 
Pirate  ” and  White- 
law  Keid  as  a ban- 
dit, displaying  the 


THE  “ FfNXY  ” LITTLE  BOY  IN  TROUBLE 
(Mr.  Bennett  comi)lains  that  he  ia  beinp:  ridiculed  and  is  advised  by 
Wisdom  to  give  up  his  practical  jokes) 


304 


THOMAS  XAST 


Tribune  of  January  9 in  wliieli  was  printed  a letter  headed 
“ Bayonets  and  Legislation,”  signed  J.  II.  II.  and  closing  with 
this  remarkable  paragraph: 

If  he  (Grant)  insists  on  fighting  it  out  on  this  line,  some  one 
will  play  Brutus  to  his  Cmsar  Avithout  fail,  which,  by  the  way, 
would  be  a great  blessing  to  the  country. 

It  was  the  bayonet  outcry  that  had  suggested  to  Xast  the  in- 
troduction of  this  weapon  into  his  pictures;  and  this,  in  tura, 
brought  a characteristic  protest  from  Cuidis. 

February  7,  1875. 

]\Iy  Dear  Nast: 

I wish  that  we  met  oftener,  and  I hope  that  you  are  quite  well 
again. 

i\Ir.  Ilaiq^er  showed  me  your  note  about  the  bayonet  picture. 
]\Iy  feeling  is  that  the  country  feels  that  there  has  been  rather 
too  much  bayonet,  and  there  is  nothing  worse  as  an  educator. 
The  sign  of  health  in  a free  government  is  jealousy  of  the  bay- 
onet, and  it  seems  to  me  a fatal  error  for  a ]>arty  devoted  to 
freedom  to  ])ut  forward  the  bayonet  as  its  symbol,  as  if  it  yeanied 
to  use  it.  Of  course  the  bayonet  is  behind  all  constitution  and 
law  and  government,  but  it  is  the  last,  not  the  first,  resort,  and 
when  it  is  the  constant  reliance  there  is  a present  end  of  freedom. 
It  is  true  that  the  bayonet  ” would,  if  legal,  soon  put  an  end  to 
disorder.”  It  did  so  at  Warsaw.  But  it  ])uts  an  end  to  liberty 
also.  Everything  depends  u])on  the  who,  and  the  when  and  the 
how.  If  we  accustom  the  country  to  the  use  of  the  bayonet  in 
peace,  and  for  good  pui-]iose,  as  we  say,  we  set  the  tune  for  the 
Democrats  to  use  it,  without  public  consteniation,  for  a bad 
])urpose.  Besides,  I don’t  doubt  that  Kellogg  rests  ui)on  a fraud, 
and  to  see  the  army  maintaining  a fraud  in  the  name  of  Liberty 
and  the  Kei)ublican  ]>arty  is  to  me  a sin  against  the  holy  ghost. 
I don’t  say  ^IcEnery  isn’t  a fraud,  but  he  isn’t  our  fraud,  and 
as  I have  no  doubt  that  a very  large  part  of  the  party  believes 
with  me  that  Kellogg  is  a fraud,  the  policy  of  defending  all  that 
he  does  and  of  boosting  him  constantly  with  the  bayonet  is  the 
sure  end  of  the  Beiniblican  ascendency  and  the  beginning  of 
the  Democi-atic  regime. 

I look  with  great  expectation  to  George  Hoar’s  report.  If  he 
says  that  the  other  two  committees  told  the  truth,  nobody  can 
doubt  any  longer. 

Don’t  misunderstand  me.  The  anny  has  a right  to  l)e  in  Lou- 
isiana, for  it  must  be  somewhere,  but  it  should  be  used  only  in 


VARIOUS  ISSUES  AND  OPPOSING  POLICIES 


3U5 


the  strictest  confonnity  to  law,  and  even  if  Kellogg  should  he 
recognized  as  Govenior,  the  circumstances  under  which  he  be- 
came so  should  make  the  (Joveniment  very  wary  of  yielding  to 
his  reciuest.  On  the  first  of  Januaiy  he  had  no  more  right  to 
order  the  troops  than  I had,  and  the  President  doesn’t  think  or 
say  that  he  had.  The  kind  of 
letter  which  I answer  in  my 


leader  this  week  (coming) 
shows  how  loose  and  demoral- 
ized ])eople  have  become.  The 
man  writes  just  as  the  tories 
used  to  write  in  New  England 
a hundred  years  ago.  ]\Iy  dear 
Nast,  forgive  this  long  sermon, 
and  believe  me  always  most 
truly  yours. 

An  old  party  named  Curtis. 

This  would  seem  a “ long 
sermon  ” indeed,  to  result 
from  one  small  and  inoffensive 
looking  picture  of  a personi- 
fied and  strictly  non-partisan 
bayonet,  used  to  illustrate  an 
extract  from  the  President’s 


WHT  IT  X9  NOT  PABTISAN. 

"Wiib  referMM  lo  LouUUn4,  It  is  to  b«  bom*  in  alad  that  aajr  atiampt  tho  Go** 
enter  to  OM  ibe  p^ce  force  of  that  bute  u this  time  woold  lave  uodoubtedlj  precipiieied  a 
bloody  conflict  with  the  Whiu  Leafoe.  as  it  did  on  the  Uth  of  Septeaber.  There  U no  doabi 
but  ihit  the  preeence  of  the  United  Stales  troops  npon  the  occasioB  prerenied  bloodshed  sad 
ibe  lost  of  life.  Boih  parties  appear  to  hare  relied  apon  them  as  conserratort  of  the  peblie 
peace.  The  Itrsi  call  was  "»*«**»  by  the  Demooets  to  remoM  peraoas  obaoaioos  to  lhea  from 
the  ls2uiau*e  hall,  and  the  second  was  from  the  Hepablicant  lo  remove  persoas  who  had 
aturped  seau  in  the  LeptUlure  nithoot  legal  cortifleetes  aimtliog  them  to  aceis,  and  is  seA* 
cieot  Dumbete  to  change  the  msjority.  Nobody  was  dUtaibed  by  the  military  who  had  a legal 
right  at  ihu  ume  to  occupy  a scat  io  tba  Legislators Pnudtht  Gaant’s  J/mso«s. 


message  maintaining  that  the 
troops  in  Louisiana  had  been  the  means  of  preserving  law  and 
order  which  the  i)olice  alone  could  not  have  enforced. 

But  on  the  week  following  there  were  bayonets  in  plenty,  for 


Nast  gave  pictorial  expression  to  the  general  outcry  of  “ Bay- 
onet Policy!  ” by  “ letting  the  wild  animals  loose  again,”  the 
cartoon  being  an  escaped  menagerie  of  many  beasts,  each  with 
a bayonet  head.  Yet  Curtis  did  not  appear  to  see  that  Nast,  in 
some  measure  at  least,  was  ridiculing  the  very  thing  which  he 
himself  condemned,  and  felt  called  upon  to  anounee  that  he  was 
responsible  only  for  the  matter  found  in  the  editorial  pages. 
Nast  would  seem  to  have  been  in  rather  bad  humor  after  this  and 


retired  like  Achilles  to  his  tent.  It  was  Fletcher  Ilariier,  as 


usual,  who  jxiinted  the  path  to  })eaee  and  usefulness: 
20 


306 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ I slionld  like  to  have  a page  and  two  comics  from  you  for 
our  next  paper.  Don’t  get  into  a fluriy,  hut  learn  to  ‘ stoop  to 
conquei'.’  Xohody  out  of  Morristown  can  always  have  his  own 
way.  I’m  sure  you  very  well  know  that  1 don’t. 

“ How  is  the  I>ai)tist  minister?  ” 

Dennett  letting  loose  “ Hoax  ” and  “ Sensation,”  the  two 
dogs  of  war,”  came  in  response  to  this  letter,  and  in  the  same 
issue  another  shot  is  fired  for  the  “ Detrenched  Skeleton  Army.” 
In  the  general  political  upheaval  of  1874-5,  James  G.  Blaine, 
who  for  six  years  had  been  S])eaker  of  the  House  of  Depresenta- 
tives,  was  defeated  by  IMichael  C.  Kerr  of  Indiana.  Also,  in  the 
Senate  there  were  many  new  faces,  and  among  these  was  that 
of  Andrew  Johnson,  who  began  in  the  Senate  just  where  he  had 
left  off  in  the  Presidency,  seven  years  before.  Kast  signalized 
the  retuni  of  Johnson  with  a small  good-natured  cartoon,  entitled 
‘‘  The  Whirligig  of  Time,”  and  Johnson  in  retuni  said, 

“ I forgive  Tom  Xast  for  all  he  ever  did  to  me.” 

But  he  did  not  forgive  Grant.  He  assailed  the  President  and 
the  administration  in  language  which  was  all  the  more  effective 
for  being  more  dignified  than  his  fonner  utterances,  hut  which 
failed  to  restore  his  lost  prestige.  On  the  last  day  of  July,  of  the 


VARIOUS  ISSUES  AXD  OPPOSING  POLICIES  307 

same  year,  1875,  lie  died— perhaps  the  least  regretted  of  the  men 
who  by  their  own  efforts  have  lifted  themselves  from  poverty 
and  illiteracy  to  the  highest  office  in  the  gift  of  the  people. 

Disagreements  among  the  Democratic  members  suiijilied 
matter  for  a cartoon  on  February  27,  which  jiresented  for  the 
first  time  the  faces  of  Samuel  S.  (“  Sunset  ”)  Cox,  Democratic 
congressman  from  Ohio,  and  that  of  Speaker  Blaine.  Cox  wrote 
good-humoredly  to  Xast,  enclosing  a later  photograph. 

Loveliest  of  your  sex  and  most  ingenious  in  your  business: 
Allow  me  to  send  you  a corrected  edition  of  my  ])hiz  (made) 
since  the  one  you  evidently  saw  when  you  put  me  to  holding 
John  Young  Brown  in.  If  I am  to  be  spanked,  as  tlie  boy  in- 
sisted, let  it  be  with  my  stoutest  pants  on.  Your  jiicture  of  the 
, Brown  performance  was  relished  all  over  the  House. 

Adieu.  1 hope  soon  to  be  let  out  of  this  menagerie. 

Fver  of  thee, 

S.  S.  Cox. 

Curiously  enough  the  same  cartoon  brought  from  T.  T.  Crit- 


A MOOXSHIXE  SCENE 


“ VTe  do  it  wronpr.  bHnsr  po  majostical, 
To  otFer  it  the  show  of  violenco  : 


For  it  is,  as  the  air.  invulnerable. 

And  our  vain  blows  malicious  uxockeiy.'* — Shakespeare, 


(Mr  Bonuett  ami  Mr.  Keid  assailing  the  apparition  of  Cjrsarism.  In  the  eye  of  the  si)cctre,  the  words 

“ Third  Term  ” ap|K*ar> 


308 


THOMAS  XAST 


tenden,  Democratic  member  from  Missouri,  a picture  of  John 
Young  Browu.  Critteiideu  said: 


T have  seen  in  Harper’s  an  amusing  caricature  of  my  per- 
sonal friend  and  fellow  member,  John  Young  Brown,  of  Ken- 
tucky. 1 take  ])leasure  in  sending  you  an  excellent  photograph 
of  him— somewhat  better  than  the  picture  you  have  drawn.  He 
is  a gentleman  of  much  modesty  and  worth. 

Trulv  vours, 

T.‘  T.  Crittenden. 


The  nation’s  representatives  were 
~ desirous  that  their  faces  should  be 
■f/  truly  depicted,  whether  in  approval 
or  censure. 

Preparations  for  the  Philadelphia 
Centennial  Exhibition  were  now  in 
jirogi’ess,  and  the  disgust  of  Carl 
THE  TRUNK  IN  SIGHT.  FIRST  APPEAR-  Schui’z,  wlio  was  repoi’ted  to  have 

ANCE  SINCE  THE  FALL  (ELECTIONS)  • i t i tt  i t i . 

said.  Let  the  Hundredth  Anni- 
versary of  the  Pepublic  be  a confession  of  its  failure,”  once  more 
introduced  that  cynical  statesman’s  face  into  caricature.  Once 
more,  too,  the  bogus  Ghost  of  Caesar  walked,  to  appall  Park  Row 
and  Ann  Street  with  its  ghastly  ” Third  Tenn  ” eye.  The  trunk 
of  the  Republican  Elephant  appeared  from  the  pitfall,  lalielled 
” Xew  Hampshire  ” and  breathing  ” Victory.”  Grant  offered 
the  Civil  Sendee  Baby  to  both  party-nurses,  who  said  they 
loved  it,  but  turned  away.  The  Colored  Citizen  showing  the  Civil 
Rights  Bill  to  St.  Peter  as  warrant  for  admission  through  the 
golden  gates,  and  Columbia  exchanging  with  the  "White  Leaguer 
the  tools  of  agriculture  for  the  arms  of  strife — these  were  a few 
of  the  pleasantries  that  furnished  the  public  with  amusement 
during  that  rather  quiet  spring. 


CIIAPTEK  XXXVI 


POLITICS  AXI)  A XOTABLE  ESCAPE 

Meantime,  Govenior  Tiklen, 
who  was  now  regarded  as  the 
logical  presidential  candidate, 
with  the  single  war  cry  of  “ Re- 
fonn,”  had  attacked  the  already 
doomed  Canal  Ring,  as  in  1871 
he  had  aided  in  the  final  destruc- 
tion of  the  Tweed  combination. 
Mr.  Tilden,  perhaps  more  than 
any  other  politician  of  recent 
times,  was  the  favorite  of  fortun- 

AXOTHER  MYSTERIOUS  DISAPPEARANCE  . mi  i j i • 

ate  circumstances.  The  tottering 
condition  of  the  Tweed  Ring;  the  extinguishment  of  the  war 
debt,  which  would  result  in  a reduction  of  the  tax  rate  of  nearly 
fifty  ])er  cent.;  the  amendment  of  the  State  Constitution  (already 
passed)  prohibiting  any  taxation  or  appropriation  for  canal  ex- 
penditures— which  meant  staiwation  to  the  Ring  by  cutting  off 
its  chief  source  of  revenue— these  combined  in  a predestined  and 
inevitable  tide  which  IMr.  Tilden  had  the  shrewdness  and  ability 
to  take  at  its  flood.  Holding  the  most  important  State  in  his 
grasp,  and  with  a political  genius  of  a very  high  order,  he  was 
transformed  almost  in  a moment  from  a respectable  figure-head 


310 


THOMAS  XAST 


of  a corrupt  political  organization  into  the  absolute  leader  of 
National  Democracy,  with  a policy  of  Reform. 

As  a master  of  political  tactics,  Tilden  has  rarely  been 
equalled.  Ills  successful  efforts  in  extinguishing  the  canal 
pirates  won  for  him  the  respect  of  those  who  opposed  him  polit- 
ically, while  his  own  i)arty  rallied  to  his  standard,  as  the  one 
chief  who  could  lead  Democracy  to  National  triumph.  Even 
Nast,  whose  clear  vision  rarely  failed  to  penetrate  every  political 
pretence,  complimented  him  in  a picture  which  portrayed  the 
Governor  as  assailing  freebooters  of  the  canal,  and  as  driving 
vultures  from  the  horse  of  the  tow-path.  It  is  true  he  attacked 
Tilden ’s  policy  of  pardon  for  certain  members  of  the  Tweed 
Ring,*  though  this  could  do  little  now  to  stem  the  current  of  pub- 
lic favor  that  was  bearing  the  New  York  Governor  toward  "Wash- 
ington. Certainly,  with  the  disturbed  conditions  in  the  Repub- 
lican ranks,  and  the  general  hannony,  save  perhaps  on  the  issue 
of  finance,  in  the  phalanx  of  Democracy,  the  prospects  of  the 
})arty  of  Jackson  and  Jefferson  for  a President  in  1876  grew 
brighter  with  every  passing  day. 

Indeed,  the  Republican  Elei)hajit  seldom  got  more  than  the 
tip  of  his  trunk  out  of  the  pitfall  during  this  “ off  year  ” and 
more  frequently  showed  the  tip  of  his  heels  as  he  dived  back, 
u})on  receipt  of  news  from  Connecticut  or  some  other  disap- 
pointing region. 

On  June  3,  1875,  occurred  the  marriage  of  General  Phil 
Sheridan — an  event  which  Nast  did  not  allow  to  pass  im- 
noticed.  He  wrote  early  in  !May  to  know  if  the  reports  of  the 
coming  event  were  tine,  to  which  imiuiry  Sheridan  sent  a feeling 
reply. 

* On  an  average  about  nine  out  of  ten  men  who  were  confessedly  guilty  of 
stealing  were  accepted  as  witnesses  against  the  other  one  man,  until  the  time  came 
when  there  was  hut  one  man  against  whom  any  testimony  could  be  used,  and  it  was 
not  considered  wise  to  try  him.  It  was  a shameful  condition  of  affairs. — lion.  Jno. 
D.  Townsend  in  “ New  York  in  Bondage.” 


POLITICS  AXD  A NOTABLE  ESCAPE 


311 


Dear  Xast : 

It  is  true.  I am 
to  be  married  on  the 
3(1  of  June,  coming, 
unless  there  is  a slip 
between  the  cup  and 
the  lip,  which  is 
scarcely  possible.  I 
will  not  have  any 
wedding  for  many 
reasons,  among 
them  the  recent 
death  of  my  father. 

I am  very  lia]ipy, 
hut  wish  it  was  all 
over. 

Yours  sincerely, 
Sheridan. 

P.  S.  & M.  I.-I 
send  the  enclosed 
(photograph)  for 
your  eldest.  Please 
send  me  yours  to  he 
kept  for  mine. 

PiiiL  Sheridan—"  I am  not  afraid.”  P.  H.  S. 

Sheridan  had  characterized  the  "White  Leaguers  of  Louisiana 
as  “ Banditti  ” and  Nast  cartooned  him  now  as  garlanded  and 
led  to  the  altar  by  little  “ Banditti  ” cupids— a picture  with 
which  General  Sheridan  was  highly  pleased. 

It  was  during  this  summer  that  General  Grant’s  letter 
to  General  Harry  "White  of  Pennsylvania,  defining  the  Pres- 
ident’s position  on  the  Third  Tenn  issue,  was  made  public.  It 
was  a simple  and  noble  document,  penned  by  an  American 
patriot.  The  following  extract  conveys  fairly  the  style  and  sen- 
timent of  the  whole: 

In  the  first  place,  I never  sought  the  office  for  a second,  nor 
even  for  a first  nomination.  To  the  first  I was  called  from  a life 
position,  one  created  by  Congress  especially  for  me  for  supposed 
ser\uces  rendered  to  the  republic.  The  position  vacated  I liked. 
It  would  have  been  most  agreeable  to  me  to  have  retained  it 
until  such  time  as  Congress  might  have  consented  to  my  re- 


CAPTUUED  AT  LAST  (JUNE  3,  18T5) 


312 


THOMAS  XAST 


tirement,  with  tlie  rank,  ami  a iiortion  of  the  emoluments  which 
I so  much  needed,  to  a home  where  tlie  ])alance  of  my  days  might 
1)6  spent  in  peace  and  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  quiet,  relieved 
from  tlie  cares  which  have  oppressed  me  now  for  fourteen  years. 
But  I was  made  to  believe  that  the  jiuhlic  good  called  me  to  make 
the  sacrifice.  AVithout  seeking  the  office  for  a second  tenn,  the 
nomination  was  tendered  me  by  a unanimous  vote  of  the  dele- 
gates of  all  the  states  and  temtories,  selected  by  the  Kepublicans 
of  each  to  represent  their  whole  number  for  the  imiqiose  of 
making  their  nomination.  I cannot  say  that  I was  not  ]>leased  at 
this,  and  at  the  oveinrhelming  endorsement  which  their  action 
received  at  the  election  following.  But  it  must  he  remembered 
that  all  the  sacrifices  except  that  of  comfort  had  been  made  in 
accepting  the  first  term.  Then,  too,  such  a fire  of  personal  abuse 
and  slander  had  been  kept  up  for  four  years,  notwithstanding 
the  conscientious  performance  of  my  duty  to  the  best  of  my  un- 
derstanding—though  I admit,  in  the  light  of  subsequent  events, 
subject  to  fair  criticism— that  an  endorsement  from  the  people, 
who  alone  govern  republics,  was  a gratification  that  it  is  only 
human  to  have  appreciated  and  enjoyed.  Now  for  a third 

term,  I do  not  want 
it  any  more  than  T 
did  the  first.  I 
would  not  write  or 
utter  a word  to 
change  the  will  of 
the  people  in  ex- 
pressing or  having 
their  choice. 

The  idea  that  any 
man  could  elect  him- 
self ]>resident,  or 
even  renominate 
himself,  is  prepos- 
terous. It  is  a re- 
flection on  the  intel- 
ligence and  patriot- 
ism of  the  ])eo])le  to 
sup])ose  such  a thing 
possible.  Any  man 
can  destroy  his 
chances  for  the 
office,  but  no  one  can 
force  an  election,  or 

AND  THEY  SAY,  “ HE  WANTS  A THIRD  TERM”  CVeil  a llOmination. 


POLITICS  AND  A NOTABLE  ESCAPE 


313 


To  recapitulate,  T am  not,  nor  have  I ever  been,  a candidate 
for  renoinination.  I would  not  accept  a nomination  if  it  were 
tendered,  unless  it  should  come  under  such  circumstjuices  as 
to  make  it  an  imperative  duty— circumstances  not  likely  to 
arise. 

Xast  celebrated  the  publication  of  the  Grant  letter  with  a 
caricature  of  himself,  surrounded  by  little  caricatures  of  his 
numerous  cartoons  against 

Cnpsarism,”  his  coat  decorated 
with  a peacock  appendage.  It 
may  he  said  here  that  Nast  has 
been  charged  with  conceit,  hut 
no  one  ever  charged  it  against 
him  more  directly  than  he  did 
himself,  and  no  one  ever  cari- 
catured him  more  savagely  than 
he  did  his  own  features. 

..  1 I -LiUKjnnu  wu* 

X l0ciSG  S011Q  US  VOUr  l)llOtO“  J c B.Jim.  ••IfC«*’tTi»ni««fu1.  nilenUWiM  ABinwUtooM  ftgaio.* 

graph,”  wrote  an  unknown  lady.  ” Those  pictures  you  make  of 
yourself  are  horrid.” 

As  the  most  ])ositive  political  factor  of  his  time,  it  will  hardly 
he  denied  that  Nast  belonged  in  many  of  its  pictures.  Other 
caricaturists  recognized  this,  and  no  other  maker  of  pictures 
was  ever  so  continuously  and  fiercely  cartooned  as  was  Thomas 
Xast. 

The  Grant  letter  was  variously  received  by  the  press. 
Friendly  journals  declared  that  it  settled  the  question  of  his 
non-candidacy.  Critical  editors  ])rotested  that  it  was  not 
sufficiently  direct.  A iolent  anti-Grant  papers  avowed  that 
it  was  clearly  a hid  for  the  nomination.  Nast  depicted  Mr.  Ben- 
nett declaring,  ” If  Grant  isn’t  careful.  I’ll  let  the  wild  animals 
loose  again.” 

It  was  just  at  this  period  that  we  meet  with  another  pictorial 
invention  of  Xast  in  the  Greenback  “ Bag-baby,”  which  Senatoi 


314 


THOMAS  XAST 


Tliunnau  of  Ohio,  on  the  moniing  of  September  4th  (in  Harper’s 
’Weekly),  finds  dejmsited  hy  Ids  party  on  his  door-step.  The 
riag-hahy — tlie  lineal  descendant  of  the  Inflation  Baby  killed  hy 
Grant’s  veto — became  immediately  the  enduring  symbol  of  fiat 
money  and  other  bodiless  and  boneless  measures.  Like  Xast’s 
former  inventions  it  was  immediately  adopted  by  his  fellow 
illustrators  and  became  a cartoon  ])roperty  that  would  not  die. 
"We  see  it  crying  “ Holy  ^furder!!!  ” however,  about  a month 
later,  when  Governor  Tilden,  whose  financial  instincts  promised 

him  to  the  ])olicy  of 
hard  money,  is  dis- 
covered choking  it 
at  the  Ohio  sena- 
tor’s threshold.  A 
little  later  we  find 
the  Bag-bahy  tossed 
into  an  ash-barrel, 
with  the  pertinent 
query  ‘Hs  it  dead?” 
The  serial  ele- 
ment in  Xast ’s  work 
is  well  illustrated 
in  this  brief  comedy. 
He  seldom  drew  one 
])icture  that  others 
of  a like  nature  did 
not  folloAv  it  in  a 
logical  sequence, 
terminating  in  a 
climax  effective  and 
complete. 

“ I follow  your 
])ictures  just  as  I do 

(First  nse  of  the  Ila{;-baby  pynilK)!)  a St01\  iu  pUltS, 


THAT IHUEDEEMABLE  BABY 

THIS  IS  A yiCE  POSITION  FOR  A ” II AHI»-MoNKT  ” BACHEU)R  TO  BE  PLACED  IN 


POLITICS  AND  A NOTABLE  ESCAPE 


315 


correspondent  w i'ote.  “ I know  Avlien  yon  l)egin  a subject  it 
will  be  ‘ continned  in  our  next,’  and  the  end  will  be  worth  wait- 
ing for.” 

Time  proved  that  the  Ivag-baby  was  not  dead,  and  with  its 
relatives  it  became  an  important  feature  in  the  i)olitical  cartoons. 

^leantime  !Mr.  Tilden’s  war  record  had  been  raked  up,  as  of 
course  it  would  be,  and  it  was  shown  that  during  1863  he 
had  ])een  associated  with  other  doubtful  patriots  in  forming  the 
” Society  for  the  Diffusion  of  Useful  Knowledge,”  which  issued 
“ pamphlets  deciwing  the  ‘ usurpation  ’ of  Lincoln,  and  showing 
the  blessings  of 
slavery,  the  failure 
of  emancipation, and 
in  every  way  short 
of  making  an  appeal 
to  arms,  giving  aid 
to  those  who  were 
engaged  in  attack- 
ing the  Govern- 
ment.”* 

These  and  other 
developments  must 
have  had  their  ef- 
fect, for  the  autumn 
elections  of  1875  in- 
dicated Eepul)lican 
gains,  and  a new  ex- 
])ression  of  con- 
fidence began  to 
manifest  itself  in 
that  party.  The  Re- 
publican Elephant 

* Harper’s  Weekly,  Xovem. 

ber  20,  1875.  tammany  down  again,  the  “ reform  ” trap  smashed 


31G 


THOMAS  XAST 


climbed  out  of  the  pitfall  and  stood  triiimi)liant  again  amid  the 
ruins  of  Tammany  Hall.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  “ 'Whisky 
King  ” exposures,  which  began  about  this  period,  the  prospects 
of  the  Eleijhant  remaining  out  of  the  pitfall  might  have  been 
more  hopeful. 

The  'Whisky  King  was  made  up  of  a number  of  prominent 
Kepublican  officials,  who  had  been  assessing  the  distillers,  osten- 
sibly for  campaign  pui’i^oses,  but  pocketing,  themselves,  a large 
portion  of  the  funds  thus  obtained.  It  is  true  that  Secretary’  of 


the  clutch  of  the  King  attorney,  David  Dudley  Field,  upon  Tweed’s 
‘‘  ‘ Dig  Six  ’ i\[illions  ” became  a part  of  the  pictorial  history  of 
1875.  It  is  noticeable  that  even  the  money  bag  wore  the  stripes 
of  crime  at  this  period,  though  this,  it  would  seem,  made  it  none 
the  less  fascinating  to  INfr.  Field.  The  hound  of  justice  hampered 
by  red  tape,  and  Tweed  balancing  gleefully  upon  the  upturned, 
though  “ upright  ” bench,  recorded  a brief  period  of  the  Boss’s 
triumidi.  But  the  State  was  desirous  of  obtaining  for  itself 
the  six  millions  of  stolen  money,  and  ere  long  we  have  Tweed, 
with  the  stri])ed  money  bag  for  a body,  about  to  be  squeezed  by 
the  heavy  tomes  of  the  law.  He  did  in  fact  presently  find  him- 
self once  more  secluded— this  time  committed  to  Ludlow  Street 
prison,  in  default  of  a three  million  dollar  bail. 


the  Treasury,  Benj.  IT.  Bristow, 
promptly  and  mercilessly  insti- 
tuted war  against  the  offenders, 
and  not  only  punished  them,  but 
recovered  a large  portion  of  the 
stealings.  Yet  the  disgrace  was 
regarded  as  a stain  on  the  Ad- 
ministration, and  remains  as 
such  to  this  day. 


The  release  of  “ Boss  ” Tweed 
after  a year’s  imprisonment,  and 


CAXXnfO  IN  FRAUDS 
**St«p  Bp,  Gentteiaeo.  (I)  Dod'i  b« 


318 


THOMAS  NAST 


Yet  Nast’s  prophecy  that  no  prison  would  be  big  enough  to 
liold  the  Boss  was  to  be  verified  again  before  the  end  of  the 
year.  Tweed  in  Ludlow  was  allowed  all  sorts  of  liberties.  He 
had  the  freedom  of  the  city,  and  could  drive  out  in  the  morning 
with  a keeper  for  his  coachman  and  a warden  for  his  footman. 
In  the  evening  he  could  dine  at  his  Fifth  Avenue  home  with  a 
bailiff  for  his  butler.* 

It  was  at  Tweed’s  home  (Dec.  4)  that  he  made  his  escape.  The 
Deputy  Sheriff  had  been  invited  to  dine  with  him,  and  Tweed  had 
requested  that  he  might  go  up-stairs  to  see  his  wife,  lie  did  not 

return,  and  after 
hiding  about  New 
York  for  a time,  fled 
to  Cuba  and  eventu- 
ally to  Spain.  That 
the  great  public  of- 
fender in  whose 
conviction  he  had 
been  a chief  instni- 
ment  should  have 
been  allowed  to 
escape  was  a humil- 
iation to  Nast.  Yet 
the  day  approached 
which  would  bring 
that  pictorial  cni- 
sade,  begun  so  long 
before,  to  its  dra- 
matic and  trium- 
phant close. 


OUR  MODERN  MUMMY 
T.vmmany  Tweedlkdkk— " She  Is  to  punish  us.” 

Canal  Tweedledum-**  That's  the  best  joke  yet.” 


♦ Herald,  December  5,  1875. 


C'HAPTEK  XXXMI 

THE  HEAVY  BUKDEY  LAID  UPON  OUANT 

The  Centennial  year  began  in  Ilaqier’s  Weekly  ’with  one  of 
Xast’s  happy  Christinas  pictures— two  sleepy  children,  watching 
for  Santa  Claus.  The  ('hristmas  spirit  was  always  a distinct 
element  in  Xast’s  work  and  a mighty  influence  in  his  household. 
Ilis  own  childhood  in  far-off  Bavaria  had  been  measured  by  the 
yearly  visits  of  Pelze-Xicol  and  the  Christkind,  while  the  girl- 
hood of  the  woman  who  had  become  his  wife  was,  as  we  have 
seen,  intimately  associated  with  brilliant  and  joyous  holiday 
celebrations. 

At  the  door  of  the  now  prosperous  Xast  household  Christmas 
purchases  were  delivered  in  relays  far  into  the  dusk  of  Christmas 
Eve,  and  these  the  happy  jiarents  took  a vast  delight  in  arrang- 
ing in  an  original  and  unconventional  manner  to  make  glad  the 
brood  of  early  risers  on  Christmas  ]\loniing.  The  children 
remember  to-day  that  there  was  always  a multitude  of  paper 
dolls — marvellously  big  and  elaborate  paper  dolls — a race  long 
since  become  extinct.  And  these  the  artist  father— more  than 
half  a child  himself  at  the  Christmas  season— arranged  in 
processions  and  cavalcades,  gay  pageants  that  marched  in  and 
about  those  larger  presents  which  could  not  be  crowded  into  the 
row  of  stockings  along  the  studio  mantel.  It  was  a time  of 
splendor  and  rejoicing— the  festive  blossoming  of  the  winter 


320 


THOMAS  XAST 


BLIOHTINO  EFTCCT  Or  THE  PRESIDENT'S  MESSAOC  Kinc»  4it  doobikM  Ui«  (lory  of  Ihe  bolureiMi  FmoMBML 

season— and  it  was  a beautiful  and  sturdy  family  that  made 
merry  Christmas  riot  in  the  spacious  home. 

But  fair  and  fleeting  are  the  joys  of  Christmas-tide,  while  the 
affairs  of  nations  march  hy  in  weary  multitude. 

The  year  did  not  oi:»en  with  perfect  harmony  in  the  Harper 
office.  The  third  tenn  spectre  had  alarmed  not  only  the  daily 
])ress,  but  Curtis  as  well,  and  the  first  ])olitical  caidoon  of  the 
year — the  “ Blighting  Effect  of  the  President’s  ^Message  ” on 
Newspaper  Bow — was  as  much  to  he  a])i)lied  to  the  editor  of 
Harper’s  Weekly  as  to  those  whose  faces  appeared  in  the  picture. 

In  fact,  in  the  same  issue  Curtis  printed  a two  column  leader 
in  which  he  referred  to  the  “ evasion  of  the  President’s  letter 
and  ^Message.  ” 

Commenting  on  this  fact,  the  New  York  Times  said: 

The  editor  of  Har]ier’s  Weekly  is  evidently  seriously  dis- 
turbed by  the  Third  Term  talk,  and  we  should  judge  that  i\Ir. 
Nast’s  caricatures  have  not  had  much  effect  upon  his  mind.  Be- 
cently  an  article  apjieared  in  the  Weekly  complaining  that  thd 
President  in  his  ^Message  had  made  no  reference  to  the  suhjecty 
and  in  the  same  number  there  was  a drawing  hy  ^Ir.  Nast,  rid- 
iculing the  editors  who  took  up  the  cry.  The  faces  of  some  were 
shown,  hut  in  the  background  there  was  one  whose  hack  only  was 
revealed  to  the  public,  thus  giving  rise  to  the  horrible  suspicion 
that  this  unknown  personage  must  have  been  the  editor  of  Har- 
per’s Weekly  himself. 


THE  IIEAf  Y BURDEN  LAID  UPON  GRANT 


321 


Nast  never  denied  that  the  “ unknown  personage  ” was  in- 
tended for  Curtis,  and  no  correspondence  has  been  preseiwed 
from  that  period.  Perhaps  the  controversy  had  passed  beyond 
the  mere  exchange  of  letters. 

The  Post,  reprinting  from  the  Chicago  Inter  Ocean,  added  a 
line  which  would  seem  to  show  that  the  estrangement  had 
become  public  and  a matter  for  taking  sides: 

Nast  and  George  'William  Curtis  are  rival  editors  on  the 
same  journal.  Harper’s  Weekly.  . . . Nast  hits  the  nail  on 

the  head  every  time  he  strikes,  because  of  his  great  singleness  of 
purpose.  Curtis  strikes  wildly,  hurting  nobody,  not  even  the 

enemy. 

Evidently  there 
was  a lack  of  polit- 
ical unity  in  Frank- 
lin S(piare. 

But  there  were 
other  issues  than 
that  of  the  Presi- 
dency. Dudley  Field 
as  a “ Lion  ” claim- 
ing his  “ legal  ( ?) 
share  ” of  the  six 
millions  of  striped 
plunder  left  behind 
by  Tweed,  and 
Field’s  head  as  Sat- 
uni,  encircled  by  the 
two  Kings  he  had 
defended  — the 
“ Tweed  ” and  the 
“Erie”  — recorded 
phases  of  this  un- 
lovely series  of  pub- 

THE  (d.  D.)  field  of  GOLD,  OR  THE  LION’S  LEG.\L  (?)  SHARE  llC  OVOOtS. 

21 


323 


THOMAS  NAST 


It  being  the  year  of  the  Centennial  Celebration  there  was  a 
disposition  toward  liannony  between  the  two  parties  at  AVasb- 
ington,  tlie  desire  being  to  make  a pleasant  showing  to  such  for- 
eign nations  as  might  send  emissaries  and  exhibits  to  the  big 
national  show.  The  “ Tiger  ” and  the  “ Lamb  ” made  an  effort 
to  abide  comfortably  together,  but  it  was  no  easy  matter.  Fraud 
and  corruption  were  rife  in  both  parties  and  in  high  places,  and 
charges  and  recriminations  were  not  conducive  to  a semblance 
of  that  brotherly  love  which  a national  Exposition  to  be  held 
at  Philadelphia  might  reasonably  have  been  lioj^d  to  ins])ire. 

The  amnesty  discussion  in  January  did  not  help  matters. 
There  were  still  a number  of  prominent  leaders  of  Secession, 
including  Jefferson  Davis— about  seven  hundred  altogether— 
whose  political  disabilities  had  not  been  removed.  Samuel 
Eandall  of  Pennsylvania  offered  a bill  providing  for  a general 
amnesty,  but  on  a vote  it  fell  a little  slioiJ  of  the  two-thirds 
necessarj'  to  its  passage.  James  G.  Blaine  then  moved  to  amend 


THEY  BOTH  LIE  TOGETHER  IX  THE  WASHINGTON  ARENA 
Democratic  Tiger.  **  I have  reformed,  and  am  tame  now.”  Repcbucan  I.,amb.  ” I— I believe  it ! ” 


THE  HEAVY  BURDEN  LAID  UPON  GRANT 


323 


the  bill  by  excepting  Jefferson  Davis  from  its  benefits.  Ilis 
reasons  as  given  were  not  that  Davis  had  made  war  upon  the 
Vnion,  nor  because  he  had  been  chosen  as  President  of  the  Con- 
federacy. Blaine’s  argument  against  Davis  was  that,  with 
supreme  power,  both  military'  and  civil,  in  his  hands,  he  had 
permitted  unusual  cruelties  to  be  inflicted  upon  Xortheni  prison- 
ers of  war.  Blaine  believed  that  by  excepting  Davis  from  its 
provisions  the  bill  would  pass;  but  the  opposition  refused  to  vote 
on  the  measure  in  its  amended  form. 

The  debate  became  hostile  and  humorous  by  tunis.  Hill  of 
Georgia  denied  the  Andersonville  charges.  Blaine  replied  by 
quoting  a resolution  offered  by  Hill  in  the  Confederate  congress 
to  the  effect  that  every  Union  soldier  within  the  Confederate 
lines  should  be  put  to  death.  S.  S.  Cox  assailed  Blaine  with 
facetious  reference 
to  the  “ colored 
heroes  ” of  the  war 
and  to  the  exag- 
gerated reports  of 
the  Southera  prison 
abuses.  Blaine 
crushed  Cox  with 
quotations  from  one 
of  his  own  old 
speeches  on  the 
“ Crimes  of  An- 
dersonville.” Cox 
shouted  back  at 
Blaine  to  “ Dry 
up!  ” and  referred 
to  him  as  “ the  hon- 
orable hyena  from 

. * . "AMNESTY»;OR,  THE  END  OF  THE  PEACEFIT.  (DE^TOCRATTO  TIGER 

jA-S  n.  S0S-  tFernando  Wood,  S.  S.  Cox  and  others  fail  to  hold  him) 


324 


THOMAS  NAST 


sion  looking  to  peace 
and  forgiveness  it 
Avas  hardl}"  a suc- 
cess. According  to 
Xast — in  a picture 
entitled  “ Amnesty ’’ 
— the  Tiger  was 
loose  again,  in  hot 
pursuit  of  the  lamb- 
like Blaine.  The 
seven  hundred  un- 
pardoned ones  re- 
mained without  the 
pale.  Nations  look- 
ing on  were  perhaps 
less  gratified  than 
diverted  by  the 

THE  TIGER  GONE  MAD  SpeCtUCle. 

The  Democratic  party,  now  more  than  ever,  became  the  party 
of  obstruction.  AVith  certain  notable  exceptions  it  opposed  the 
appropriation  of  a million  and  a half  dollars  for  the  Centennial 
Fund.  "When  L.  Q.  C.  Lamar  of  Mississippi  spoke  in  support 
of  this  measure,  Manton  Marble  of  the  "World  went  so  far  as  to 
declare  that  the  passage  of  such  a bill  would  mean  the  dissolu- 
tion of  the  Democratic  party. 

Democracy  also  continued  its  opposition  to  any  measure  for  re- 
lief of  the  Army  of  the  Frontier.  “ Retrenchment  ” at  the  expense 
of  those  who  were  keeping  the  Indians  from  scalping  the  settlers 
of  the  "West  became  a Democratic  watchword,  and,  led  by  Fer- 
nando "Wood,  who  still  haunted  the  halls  of  legislation,  the  fol- 
lowers of  this  peculiar  economy  were  able  to  handicap  and 
obstruct  any  bill  providing  for  improved  militan”  conditions. 
Nast  brought  his  biggest  guns  to  bear  on  this  “ starvation  ” con- 


THE  IIEAJ’Y  BURDEX  LAID  UPON  GRANT 


325 


tingent,  and  letters  of  gratitude  from  Colonel  Giiy  V.  ITeniy 
(“  Fighting  Gny  ”)  and  other  brave  officers  engaged  in  sage- 
brush warfare  were  his  reward. 

The  crusade  of  Secretary  Bristow  against  the  AVhisky  Bing 
continued  to  be  pushed  with  vigor  and  severity.  The  fact  that  the 
offenders  were  Bepublicans — that  Bristow  himself  was  a Kepuh- 
lican,  and  that  a Bepublican  President  had  said,  “ Let  no  guilty 
man  escape  ” — inspired  a degree  of  renewed  confidence  in  the 
Administration.  But  little  did  the  people,  or  Secretary  Bristow, 
or  General  Grant,  guess  in  what  a high  place  a guilty  man  would 
he  found.  Not,  in- 
deed, in  connection 
with  the  "Whisky 
Bing,  but  in  what 
was  still  worse,  the 
receiving  of  profits 
from  the  sale  of  a 
government  mili- 
tary trading  post— 
profits  squeezed 
from  the  purses  of 
the  already  reduced 
soldiers,  who  were 
obliged  to  buy 
where  they  could, 
and  pay  what  they 
must.  No  one  but 
the  committee  knew 
of  a secret  inves- 
tigation that  was  in 
progress,  until  one 
morning  General 


AVilliam  F.  Bel- 


BELKNAP 


32G 


THOMAS  NAST 


knap,  Secretary  of  "War,  and  one  of  Grants  most  trusted  officials, 
called  on  the  President,  and  in  a few  broken,  agitated  sentences 
confessed  his  disgrace  and  tendered  his  resignation. 

The  President  was  ovei-whelmed.  It  seemed  to  him  that  wher- 
ever he  turned  some  new  dishonor  lay  concealed.  His  adminis- 
tration had  become  like  a nightmare.  Strive  as  he  might  for 
good  men,  his  search  for  incorruptibility  seemed  hopeless.  Well 

for  him  then  that  he  could  lean 
on  a patriot  like  Hamilton  Fish, 
in  whose  honor  and  integrity 
and  moral  purity  there  has 
never  been  found  a flaw. 

Grant  was  a man  to  stand  by 
his  friends— the  last  to  believe 
in  their  shortcomings.  A Min- 
ister to  England  he  was  reluc- 
tant to  recall,  even  after  Secre- 
tary Fish  had  admitted  that 
this  official  was  unworthy  of  his 
post.  The  President’s  own  sec- 
retary, Babcock,  not  only  had 
been  connected  with  the  'Whis- 
ky Bing,  hut  had  misused  his 
opportunities  in  the  matter  of 
private  papers;  yet  the  President  was  loth  to  let  him  go.  To 
have  wilfully  forfeited  the  trust  and  friendship  of  a loyal 
patriot  like  Ulysses  S.  Grant  is  as  dark  a stain  as  could  be  laid 
on  the  memory  of  any  man. 

Xast’s  cartoon  of  Belknap  was  a terrible  arraignment— a 
vulture  struck  by  lightning  from  a clear  sky.  Grant  being  made 
the  “ Scapegoat  ” by  the  howlers  of  the  press,  “ The  Crowning 
Insult  to  Him  'Who  Occu})ies  the  Presidential  Chair  ” was  a 
picture  of  equal  power  on  the  side  of  the  nation’s  hero. 


HAMILTON  FISH 


THE  CROW'XIN'G  IN'SULT  TO  HIM  WHO  OCCUPIES  THE  PRESIDENTIAL  CHAIR 


C'HAPTP]R  XXXVIII 

AN  EXPOSITION,  A CAMPAIGN  AND  A CAPTUKE 


During  tlie  early  summer  of  187G  the  land  was 
filled  with  preparation.  Doubtless  owing  to  the 
interest  in  the  Centennial  Exposition,  political 
anticipation  was  somewhat  less  eager  than  dur- 
ing previous  presidential  years.  Certainly  there 
THE  “hag”  (baby)  was  less  of  hittemess  than  in  1872,  and  the  pic- 
AT  THE  MASTHEAD  f|i’awn  and  the  editorials  written  more 

in  the  spirit  of  entertainment  than  of  detennined  warfare.  Of 
the  pictures  by  Nast,  the  illustrations  of  the  eccentric  i)rogress 
of  the  now  rudderless  (tail-less)  Tiger  were  perhaps  the  most 
amusing,  though  the  Eag-baby  refused  to  down  in  the  halls  of 
legislation  and  continued  its  ludicrous  career  in  the  pages  of  the 
IVeekly. 

Concerning  the  Presidential  candidates,  Mr.  Tilden  was  the 
inevitable  selection  of  the  Democracy,  while  in  the  Eepublican 
ranks  the  crusade  of  Secretary  Bristow  against  the  Whisky 
Ring  had  made  him  a noteworthy  antagonist  of  this  New 
Yoi’k  Champion  of  Reform.  Yet  there  were  candidates  more 
prominent  than  Bristow.  Senator  Conkling,  who  had  led  the 
CJrant  campaign  in  New  York  in  1872,  was  regarded  as  a great 
leader,  and  was,  moreover,  favored  by  the  President.  Blaine 
of  Maine  was  perhaps  foremost  of  all,  while  Morton  of  Indiana, 


AN  EXPOSITION,  A CAMPAIGN  AND  A CAPTURE  329 


Governor  Hayes  of  Ohio,  and  Marshall  Jewell  of  Connecticut 
were  all  entitled  to  consideration.  That  Grant,  even  had  he  so 
desired,  could  become  a candidate  in  the  face  of  the  accumulated 
disgrace  of  his  appointed  officials  was  out  of  the  question. 

The  Kepublican  National  Convention  of  1876  met  at  Cincinnati 
on  June  14,  and  for  a few  days  rivalled  in  public  interest  the 
Centennial  Exhibition.  The  foremost  men  of  the  nation  were 
among  its  delegates,  including  George  F.  Hoar  of  Massachusetts, 
George  William  Curtis  of  New  York,  and  Eobert  G.  Ingersoll  of 
Illinois.  The  fact  that  its  decision  was  wholly  a matter  of 

surmise  lent  to  it  a 
vastly  added  attrac- 
tion. 

In  deferencetothe 
Centennial  Celebra- 
tion the  Platform 
adopted  was  highly 
patriotic,  contain- 
ing a good  deal  of 
the  Declaration  of 
Independence,  sup- 
plemented with  rec- 
ommendations as  to 
the  continued  prog- 
ress toward  specie 
payment,  protection 
of  home  industries, 
and  monogamy  in 
Utah. 

The  claims  of  the 
candidates  were 
well  considered.  ]Mr. 

THE  HAUNTED  HOUSE;  OR,  THE  ‘^MURDERED”  RAG-BABY 

WILL  NOT  BE  STILL  TllOlUpSOllj  Of  IH- 


330 


THOMAS  NAST 


diana,  offered  the  name  of  Senator  Morton,  whose  Inflation 
tendencies  had  made  him  acceptable  to  that  wing  of  the 
party.  Judge  Harlan  nominated  Mr.  Bristow,  who  was  also 
the  candidate  of  George  AVilliam  Cui-fis  and  Richard  Henry 
Dana.  The  name  of  Koscoe  Conk  ling  was  presented  by  Stewart 
Ij.  AVoodford;  Governor  Hayes  of  Ohio  was  advocated  by  ex- 
Govenior  Noyes  and  ex-Senator  Wade,  while  Senator  James  G. 
Blaine  was  put  in  nomination  by  Colonel  Robert  G.  Ingersoll,  in 
that  celebrated  Plumed  Knight  speech  which  has  never  been 
equalled  in  the  nominating  s])eeches  of  any  National  Convention, 
and  which  at  once  placed  Robert  Ingersoll  at  the  head  and  front 
of  political  oratory  in  America. 

The  fact  that  it  was  too  late  to  begin  balloting  at  the  close  of 
the  speeches  lost  Blaine  the  nomination.  The  spell  of  Colonel 
Ingersoll ’s  eloquence  was  upon  the  assembly.  Had  a vote  been 
taken  then  the  “ Plumed  Knight  ” would  have  been  chosen  on 
the  first  ballot.  But  the  sunlight  faded  from  the  west  windows, 
and  with  it  died  Blaine’s  moment  of  oppoilimity.  “ The  gather- 
ing shades  of  evening  compelled  an  adjournment,”  he  says,  in 
his  book  of  recollections,  and  the  sentence  somehow  has  a 
pathetic  sound. 

Yet  Blaine  led  in  the  balloting  next  morning,  receiving  two 
hundred  and  eighty-five  on  the  first  count,  increasing  the  number 
to  three  hundred  and  fifty-one  as  against  three  hundred  and 
eighty-four  for  Hayes  of  Ohio,  who  had  begun  the  battle  with 
the  trifle  of  sixty-one.*  Hayes’s  nomination  was  now  made 
unanimous,  and  on  the  first  ballot  William  A.  Wheeler  of  New 
York  was  selected  to  complete  the  ticket. 

Thomas  Nast  was  particularly  pleased  with  this  ticket,  for  a 
day  or  two  before  the  convention  he  had  come  out  with  a front 

* On  tlie  first  ballot  Roseoe  Conkling  of  Xew  York  obtained  ninet3’-nine  votes, 
wliieh  figure  included  sixty-nine  of  Xew  York’s  seventy,  that  of  George  William 
Curtis  having  been  given  to  Bristow.  Conkling  never  forgave  the  defection,  and  re- 
taliated in  due  time. 


AX  EXPOSITIOX.  A CAMPAIGN  AND  A CAPTURE  331 


page  caricature  of  himself  “ making  a slate  ” upon  which  Secre- 
tary Fish  led,  with  Goveraor  Hayes  as  his  running  mate.  Hayes’s 
anti-inflation  record  appealed  to  Nast  forcil)ly.  The  ticket  made 
good  one-half  his  prophecy— a fair  percentage,  in  view  of  the 
numerous  candidates.  The  week  following  the  convention  the 
cartoonist  depicted  himself  again,  this  time  rejoicing  over  the 
partial  fulfilment  of  his  forecast  and  approving  the  ticket  in 
general.  Hamilton  Fish  said,  when  he  saw  the  picture: 

“ “Well,  I’m  glad  Nast  had  to  scratch  me  off.  I’ve  got  enough 
of  politics.” 

Curtis,  likewise, 
indorsed  the  nomi- 
nation of  Hayes,  and 
once  more  the  Har- 
per editorials  and 
pictures  were  as  one. 

“ Harper’s  "Weekly 
emphatically  in- 
dorses Hayes,  and 
Curtis  and  Nast  are 
again  brethren  to- 
gether ” was  the 
comment  of  the 
Evening  Post. 

Throughout  the 
land  “ Third  Term  ” 
and  “ Cacsarism  ” 
were  laid  aside  and 
forgotten.  The  Re- 
publican forces  were 
united  for  war. 

The  Democratic 

. GETTING  IN  TUXE 

Convention  met  at  (Mr.  Ueiil  and  Sir.  Scburz  in  the  right  key  tliis  time) 


332 


THOMAS  NAST 


St.  Louis  (June  27)  with  many 
hopes  of  party  success.  Democ- 
racy was  more  nearly  a unit  than 
it  had  been  since  the  days  of 
Buchanan,  and  it  was  heartened 
by  its  victories  of  1874.  "With 
Samuel  J.  Tilden,  the  most  able 
political  leader  of  the  day,  in  ab- 
solute control  of  the  party’s  for- 
tunes, there  was  every  reason  for 
anticipating  triumph.  One  of  the 
articles  of  Democratic  faith  at  this 
period  was  that  Mr.  Tilden  could 
do  no  wrong.  His  signature  to  the 
notorious  fraud  circular  of  1868 
was  declared  a forgery.*  That  as 
a member  of  the  “ Barn-burners  ” wing  of  the  Free-soil  party 

* The  circular  referred  to  was  as  follows: 

Rooms  of  the  Democratic  State  Committee,  October  27,  1808. 

^Iy  Dear  Sir:  Please  at  once  to  communicate  with  some  reliable  per.son,  in  three 
or  four  principal  towns  and  in  each  city  of  your  county,  and  reijuest  him  (expenses 
duly  arranged  for  at  this  end)  to  telegraph  to  William  !M.  Tweed,  Tammany  Hall, 
at  the  minute  of  closing  the  polls,  not  waiting  for  the  count,  such  person’s  esti- 
mate of  the  vote.  Let  the  telegram  be  as  follows:  “This  town  will  show  a Demo- 
cratic gain  (or  loss)  over  last  year  of  Or  this  one,  if  sulTiciently  certain: 

“ This  town  will  give  a Republican  (or  Democratic)  majority  of  There  is, 

of  course,  an  important  object  to  be  attained  by  a simultaneous  transmission  at  the 
hour  of  closing  the  polls,  but  not  longer  waiting.  Opportunity  can  be  taken  of  the 
usual  half-hour  lull  in  telegraphic  communication  over  lines  before  actual  results 
begin  to  be  declared,  and  before  the  Associated  Press  absorb  the  telegraph  with  re- 
turns and  interfere  with  individual  messages,  and  give  orders  to  watch  carefullj’  the 
count.  Very  truly  j’ours,  Samuel  J.  Tilden,  Chairman. 

The  object  of  this  circular  was  to  learn  approximately  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment  just  how  many  votes  the  Ring  would  need  to  “ raise  ” in  ^7ew  York  City 
to  overtop  the  Republican  majority  “ beyond  the  Harlem.’’ 

“ Mr.  Tilden  subsequently  denied  that  he  had  signed  the  certificate,  but  the  testi- 
mony he  and  Mr.  A.  Oakey  Hall  each  gave  on  that  subject,  in  December  of  the  same 
j’ear,  before  a Congressional  committee,  which  sat  on  the  election  frauds  of  that 
year,  in  this  city  (New  York)  makes  it  apiiarent  that  he  was  well  aware  such  a 
circular  had  been  issued.’’ — lion  John  D.  Townsend,  in  “ New  York  in  Bondage.” 


AN  EXPOSITION,  A CAMPAIGN  AND  A CAPTURE  333 

in  1848  he  had  been  briefly  an  abolitionist,  and  later,  during  the 
Rebellion,  a Seymour  Democrat,  were  facts  either  forgotten  or 
remembered,  according  to  the  exigencies  of  the  argument  for  bis 
support.  Ilis  recent  brilliant  refonn  career  bad  deified  him  with 
bis  admirers,  while  it  bad  well-nigh  silenced  bis  enemies. 

It  is  true  be  was  opposed  to  some  extent  by  “ Honest  ” John 
Kelly,  the  bead  of  Reformed  Tammany,  and  an  attempt  was 
made  to  turn  the  tide  to  a Western  candidate.  Any  such  effort 
was  of  small  avail. 

When  the  St.  Louis  Convention  assembled  Henry  Watterson 
was  made  temporary  chairman,  and  John  A.  McClernand  of 
Illinois  was  elected  its  Permanent  President.  The  names  of 
Governor  Hendricks  of  Indiana,  General  Winfield  Scott  Hancock 
and  others  were  then  put  in  nomination— the  name  of  Mr.  Tilden 
being  presented  by  Senator  Francis  Kenian  of  New  York.  Tilden 
led  on  the  first  ballot,  with  40L|  votes,  and  before  a second 
ballot  was  declared  to  be  the  Convention’s  unanimous  choice. 
Governor  Hendricks,  who  bad  received  the  second  largest  vote, 
was  now  selected  to  complete  the  ticket.  With  the  strongest 
man  from  each  of  the  two  most  doubtful  States,  the  Convention 
would  seem  to  have  redeemed  the  errors  of  1872. 

The  platform,  said  to  have  been  prepared  by  Manton  Marble, 
was  a most  exhaustive  treatise  on  the  subject  and  necessity  of 
Reform.  As  opposed  to  the  Republican  manifest,  it  declared  for 
“ tariff  for  revenue  only,”  and  denounced  the  existing  schedule 
as  “ a masteq:»iece  of  injustice,  inequality  and  false  pretense.” 
It  also  condemned  the  resumption  clause  of  the  Act  of  1875  and 
demanded  its  repeal.  Blaine  referred  to  the  document  as  being 
at  once  “ an  indictment  and  a stump  speech.”  The  Republican 
Platfonn  was  a sort  of  Fourth  of  July  flag  of  patriotism.  The 
Democratic  document  was  a luminous  banner  of  Reform. 

But  although  the  two  foremost  Democratic  leaders  of  the 
East  and  West  bad  been  united  in  the  St.  Louis  ticket,  it  was 


334 


THOMAS  NAST 


THE  DEFORMED  TIGER  SOLVES  THE  PROBLEM 


unfortunate  that  they  were  unable  to  pull  precisely  in  one  direc- 
tion. In  fact,  they  pulled  precisely  in  opposite  directions  on  one 
very  important  issue — that  of  finance.  Tilden  of  the  East  was 
for  hard  money.  Hendricks  of  the  West  was  for  greenbacks. 
The  golden  calf  and  the  Rag-bahy  had  been  yoked  together. 

Nast,  however,  did  not  use  this  figure.  He  supplemented  his 
Tiger  series  with  a cartoon  of  a tiger  with  two  heads,  pulling  in 
opposite  directions — the  tiger  of  “ Tilden  and  Deform.” 

The  Democratic  National  Chainnan  did  not  have  altogether 
an  easy  time  in  managing  this  two-headed  exhibit. 

“ Talk  soft  money  in  the  West  and  harden  it  as  you  go  east- 
ward ” is  reported  to  have  been  his  counsel  to  Western  speakers; 
while  to  those  who  were  of  the  Atlantic  States  he  said,  “ Talk 
hard  money  in  the  East  and  soften  it  as  you  travel  toward  the 
sunset.”  Nast’s  cartoons  of  Governor  Hendricks  as  Mother 
Tilden,  making  Father  Tilden  nurse  the  Rag-baby,  while  she 
attends  to  the  more  active  duties  of  the  canvass,  such  as  stirring 
the  fire  of  Reform,  were  the  amusing  pictures  of  the  campaign. 

The  cartoonist  and  his  family,  meanwhile,  spent  many  days 
at  the  wonderful  Philadelphia  Exposition,  where  was  displayed 
for  the  first  time  in  America  many  of  the  rare  things— sculpture, 


AX  EXPOSITION,  A CAMPAIGN  AND  A CAPTURE  :V,i5 


bronze,  potterj'  and  antique  curios— with  which  we  have  since 
become  more  familiar.  Of  these  Nast,  who  was  now  out  of  debt 
and  earning-  an  income  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  a year, 
bought  a large  and  rather  lavish  selection.  The  Morristown 
home  became  the  abode  of  a luxurious  collector  able  and  willing 
to  gratify  every  taste  and  whim.  His  expenditures  at  the  Ex- 
position alone  ran  far  into  the  thousands,  and  his  purchases 
included  some  of  the  choice  gems  of  that  splendid  exhibit. 

As  the  campaign  drew  to  an  end  it  became  evident  that  the 
results  were  to  be  veiy  close.  The  cartoons  came  thicker  and 
were  somewhat  more  savage.  Bellew,  no  longer  on  the  other 
side,  adopted  Nast’s  Eag-baby  to  good  purpose,  while  Nast, 
with  the  capabilities  of  fiercer  warfare,  was  slashing  about  with 
more  vigorous  weapons.  These  political  pictures  and  the  Cen- 
tennial displays  well-nigh  filled  the  Harper  pictorial  pages. 

But  just  here  de- 
veloped one  of  those 
wholly  unexpected 
events  which  make 
complete  the  great 
drama  of  human 
existence. 

In  view  of  the 

Eeform  ” policy 
of  the  Democratic 
Convention,  Nast 
had  published  in  the 
"Weekly,  at  the  time, 
a picture  entitled 
‘ ‘ Tweed-le-dee  and 
Tilden-dum.”  In 
this  picture  Tweed, 

in  flP'nTOTI-  HENtDRicKS)PECKED 

111  OLlipco,  iO  Utrmuil  Mrs.  Tii4)KX-“  Nurse  the  Baby,  while  I stir  up  the  Fire.’» 


336 


THOMAS  NAST 


strating  liis  qualifications  for  the  New  York  Governorship  by 
his  willingness  to  bring  to  justice  any  number  of  lesser  thieves 
— the  “ thieves  ” being  symbolized  by  two  street  arabs,  whom 
be  is  dragging  to  punishment.  The  picture  was  of  no  special 
moment  at  the  time,  but  being  an  excellent  delineation  of  Tweed, 
who  (as  the  Boss  himself  one  confessed)  bad  grown  to  look  more 
and  more  like  bis  caricatures,  it  was  to  result  in  a climax  as  far 
as  possible  from  any  puiqoose  conceived  by  the  artist. 

It  bad  become  known  that  Tweed  was  somewhere  biding  in 
Spanish  territory.  As  early  as  September  30  Nast  cartooned 
him  as  a Tiger,  appearing  from  a cave  marked  Spain.  Now  sud- 
denly came  a report— a cable — that  one  “ Twid  ” (Tweed)  bad 
been  identified  and  captured  at  Vigo,  Spain,  on  the  charge  of 
“ kidnapping  two  American  children.” 

This  seemed  a curious  statement ; for  whatever  may  have  been 
the  Boss’s  sins,  be  bad  not  been  given  to  child-stealing.  Then 
came  further  news,  and  the  mysteiy  was  explained.  Tweed  had 
been  identified  and  aiTested  at  Vigo  through  the  cartoon 
“ Tweed-le-dee  and  Tilden-dum,”  drawn  by  Thomas  Nast.  The 
“ street  gamins  to  the  Spanish  officer,  who  did  not  read 
English— were  two  children  being  forcibly  abducted  by  the  big 
man  of  the  stripes  and  club.  The  printing  on  the  dead  wall  they 
judged  to  be  the  story  of  bis  crime.  Perhaps  they  could  even 
spell  out  the  word  “ EEWARD.” 

Absurd  as  it  all  was,  the  identification  was  flawless.  Tweed, 
on  board  the  steamer  Franklin,  came  back  to  America  to  die,* 
"When  bis  baggage  was  examined,  it  was  found  that  be  bad  pre- 
served every  cartoon  Nast  bad  drawn  of  him,  save  the  few  final 
ones  published  after  bis  escape,  one  of  which  bad  placed  him 
again  behind  prison  bars.  On  October  7 Ilaiqier’s  republished 
this  picture  with  the  story  of  the  Boss’s  capture. 

The  pictorial  drama  was  complete. 

♦In  Ludlow  Street  Jcail,  April  12,  1878. 


POLITICAL  "CAPITAL 

Tut  “ p«opl«  an  lo  a trrj  puuM  aod  d*«poa<l«Di  lUla 
•f  nuxl  about  lb«  political  ailiution,  and  ha*o  got  boyond 
lb*  poiot  at  «bich  they  look  for  tb«  appeamn<«  of  lh«  Meal 
aiawaRian  uailing  lb«  purttl  motivea  with  (b«  higbral  ability 
Tb«y  can  get  the  pore  notirea,  and  they  can  get  the  high  abili- 
ty. but  aoaeboo,  owukg  to  no  matter  «bit  cireumauncea,  to 
get  a maD  ako  unite*  both  into  a leading  place  in  tbo  gorcra' 

•ent  it  a «ork  of  tuch  diOlculiy  that  reoat  people  hare  given  it 
up  aa  (for  the  preaent  at  kaat)  a bad  ^b,  and  ara  willing  to  con- 
sent themaelrra  with  any  man  who,  for  wbaterer  nolira.  will  do 
|p)od  work.  It  *0  happena,  too,  that  the  work  lo  be  dono  at  ibia 
Moment  i«  not  work  wbieb  cntla  either  for  ibe  bighetl  order  of 
gesiua  or  tbt  bigbett  aapiratiooa.  A man  may  do  it  eery  well 
without  being  a Uo»t*  or  a U*AHrU‘orox->wiihout,in  abort,  being 
dtber  a prophet  or  a hero.  He  baa  neitber  to  lead  a race  out  of 
coptieity  nor  call  a nation  into  eiiHence.  The  latk  before  ib« 
American  poliiician  of  today  la  the  iimpie  and  aomewhat  hmriy 
one  of  preventing  public  oOcen  from  «lenIiog  and  dividing  tbe 
public  money,  and  of  pftvcniiog  the  govemtuciil  from  cheating  ita 
creditoce , nod  when  a mao  i^ete  bimaclf  for  tbi*  work,  there  la  no 
general  dUpoaitioo  to  a*k  whether  he  la  a auuiman  of  the  first 
rank,  or  whether  hu  political  judgment  haa  alwaya  been  aure  or  hi* 
voice  been  always  heard  on  the  right  aide  In  fact,  they  go  ao  far 
ea  to  aay  that  to  make  capital  in  this  way  is  a good  thing  to  do,  and 
they  wiib  all  politicians  to  engage  in  it  They  are  reedy  lo  forbear 
all  curioua  toquiries  Into  the  tnouvet  or  aotocedeata  of  men  who  will 
undertake  to  put  ao  end  to  cheating  and  steeling  In  fart,  the 
of  tbe  country  ere  sticking  notices  up  offering  the  bigheat  offices  in 
their  gift,  and  '*  no  queelioat  asked.”  to  any  body  who  will  bring  in  a 
few  plunderere  of  the  eteie  Ur  TiLOtn  has  achieved  bin  present 
euceeas  eimply  owing  to  bU  bating,  before  aa^  body  ebe  of  bla  class, 
undemood  the  aucl  natore  of  the  situation.  He  perceived 
than  his  Gompeiitora  that  the  lime  had  cOmo  lo  atop  preaching,  and 
lo  begin  making  arresta  *od  drawing  up  indKimenia.  He  no*  finds, 
nod  bia  competitors  find,  that  bin  acuteseea  bat  rendered  him  the  I 
bighest  aerrice,  and  bia  cnemisa  aotoally  play  Into  bia  bands.' 

Aorxm.  October  7. 1l7f. 

REWARD 

TO  ALL 

PUBLIC  THIEVES 

WHO  HAVE  ENOUGH 

AND 

CAN  STOP  OTHE.'^S 

FROM  CHEATING 

AND 

STEALING. 

the/  will  be  rewarded 
BY  honorable  positions 


NO  QUESTIONS 

ASKED. 

anybody  who  will  bring 

A FEW  PLUNDERERS  OF  THE 

STATE 

TO  JUSTICE  N) 

WILL  BE  REWARDEO  BY  Tut 

HIGHEST  OFFICES 

IN  THE  ^ 

I r"  *T  ® 1^'  '■itt'o  cos. .Clio. 
I r I ONE  or  Tnt 
CANAL  RING. 

TAMMANY  HALL 

SCHOOL  0»*'  BETORN?!. 

CHOLARS  A/ANTCO 
roK 

RLFORMERS. 

IXEWARD  TO  THOSE 

fiSSOnUTEO 
VtS.  AND 
STATE 
s*CE 


WANTED  REFORMERS  V 
or  THC 


TAMMANtY  CLASS 


wanted  ncroAMCRs 

EDUCATED  IN  THE 


IT  TAKES 
A THier 
CR  ONE 


r WHO  HAS 
^ ASSOCIAT 

I WITH 


TWEEDLE-DEE  AND  TILDE.V.DC1I 

Rkfokm  Tvetto.  *'lf  nil  the  people  wniit  U to  bnve  somebody  nrreeteil,  HI  have  you  plunderers  co&victcd.  You  wiU  be  allowed  to  edenpe;  nobody  will  be  burl;* 
•ud  theu  TitOKX  wUI  gw  to  the  White  Uouae,  nud  1 lo  Albany  aa  Covernwr.’* 


THE  CARTOON  TH.A.T  CAPTURED  TWEED* 


* Nast  never  fully  credited  the  account  of  Tweed’s  capture  until  years  after, 
when  it  was  confirmed  in  a letter  from  Alvey  A.  Adee,  who  had  been  Secretary  of 
the  American  Legation  at  ^Madrid.  Mr.  Adee  in  liis  letter  (.lanuary  28,  1802)  says; 

I remember  the  incident  well — in  fact,  it  was  I who  found  the  jiieture  among 
a lot  of  Harper’s  Weeklies  on  a top  shelf  in  a dark  closet  in  tlie  house  of  a friend, 
Don  Beiiigno  S.  Suarez,  No.  3,  Calle  de  la  Flora.  It  made  you  famous  in  Madrid. 

Very  truly  yours, 

Alvey  A.  Adee. 


22 


BETWEEN  TWO  FIRES 


Soldiers — “Whose  side  were  you  onf" 

Reformed  Usufruct — “I— I was— busy  in  court  with  a Railroad  Case!” 


CHAPTER  XXXIX 

AN  ELECTION  AND  A CONTEST 

There  were  not  many  more  pictures  before  election  day.  Tlie 
Northeni  and  the  Southern  soldier  asking  in  chorus  of  Tilden 
“ Whose  side  were  you  on?  ” and  Mr.  Tilden ’s  reply,  “ I— I was 
busy  with  a railroad  ease,”  was  the  subject  matter  for  one  of  the 
most  effective.  The  Republican  Elephant  stepping  on  the  two- 
headed  tiger  was  perhaps  the  best  in  the  matter  of  drawing. 
The  so-called  “ Southem  Claims  ” in  the  balance  against  bread; 
the  preparations  to  fire  again  on  Fort  Sumter;  The  Democratic 
AVolf  stripped  of  its  lambskin  of  Reform ; Tilden,  as  Eve,  tempt- 
ing Charles  Francis  Adams  with  the  Democratic  nomination  for 
the  Massachusetts  go veraorship— these  were  among  the  final 
shots.  The  “ Southem  Claims  ” referred  to  consisted  of  a mat- 


AX  ELECTION  AND  A CONTEST 


339 


ter  of  sometliiug  more  than  two  billion  dollars  claimed  as  loss 
and  damage  by  war,  for  which  bills  of  allowance  were  expected 
to  be  passed  in  the  event  of  Democratic  victory.  The  feeling  over 
this  i)ossibility  became  sufficiently  strong  to  induce  ]\Ir.  Tilden  to 
write  a letter,  pledging  himself  to  resist  any  such  bills— a declara- 
tion accepted  by  his  Southeni  constituency  with  sufficient  salt  to 
make  it  ]>alatable.  It  was  in  reference  to  these  Southeni  Claims, 
in  a small  drawing  entitled  “ The  Solid  South,”  that  Nast  first 
used  the  dollar  mark  symbol  in  the  spelling  of  financial  issues. 

The  “ bloody  shirt  ” bannered 
to  the  breeze  in  these  final  days. 

Even  <^urtis,  who  had  once  pro- 
tested against  all  reference  to  the 

bayonet,”  now  filled  his  edi- 
torial pages  with  allusions  to  this 
fierce  weapon. 

“Jefferson  Davis  and  the  se- 
cessionists merely  endeavored  to 
enforce  with  bayonets  the  doc- 
trines of  Mr.  Tilden,”  he  says, 
and  in  another  jilace  warmly 
commends  President  Grant’s  order  to  General  Sherman  to  use 
all  military  force  to  protect  citizens,  “ without  distinction 
of  race,  color  or  political  opinion  in  the  exercise  of  the  right  to 
vote.”  Again,  of  South  Carolina,  “ There  is  no  doubt  the  Dem- 
ocrats in  that  State  mean  to  carry  it  for  ‘ Tilden  and  Reform  ’ 
by  means  of  the  shot-gun,”  and  he  proceeds  to  denounce  the 
“ Democratic  derringer  ” means  of  winning  elections,  using 
tenns  as  severe  as  it  was  ever  possible  for  Curtis  to  employ. 

This  volley  was  fired  in  the  last  issue  of  the  Weekly  previous 
to  the  election,  while  in  the  same  paper  Nast’s  pictures  were  a 
front  page  of  Tilden  emptying  his  “ baiTel  ” of  money  into  the 
ballot  box,  and  a large  double  page  of  Columbia— the  fine  emble- 


CHANGE  POLICY 


340 


THOMAS  NAST 


matic  figure  for  wliicli  the  artist’s  wife  was  most  frequently  the 
model— making  ready  to  turn  the  political  'Wheel  of  Fortune.* 
On  the  back  page  appeared  the  “ Lion  and  the  Lamh,”  an 
excellent  satire  on  the  citizen  who  is  particularly  fierce  before 
election  day,  yet  fails  to  go  to  the  polls  on  account  of  bad 
weather.  And  thus  closed  the  Centennial  presidential  campaign. 

Yet  the  struggle  was  far  from  ended.  Both  parties  were 
confident  of  triumph,  and  on  the  day  following  the  election  both 
claimed  success.  The  party  of  Tilden  was  jubilant,  for  the  tele- 
graph on  election  night  brought  news  favorable  to  their  candi- 
date. But  early  next  morning  Zachariah  Chandler,  Chairman  of 
the  Ee])ublican  National  Committee,  obtained  special  infonna- 
tion,  or  counsel, f concerning  Florida,  South  Carolina  and  Louisi- 
ana which  led  him  to  make  the  public  statement: 

“ Kutherford  B.  IIa3'es  has  received  one  hundred  and  eightj’- 
five  electoral  votes,  and  is  elected.” 

The  Democrats  jeei’ed  and  reviled  this  report.  Thej^  had  been 

* Once,  during  a visit  to  Washington,  Mrs.  Nast  was  presented  to  Chief  Justice 
Drake.  “Hail,  Columbia!”  lie  said  by  way  of  greeting.  Judge  Drake  was  of  the 
tall  Yankee  type,  and  Mrs  Nast’s  prompt  reply,  “ Why,  how  are  you.  Uncle  Sam?  ” 
greatly  amused  the  eminent  jurist. 

f Said  to  have  been  supplied  by  John  C.  Reid,  editor  of  the  Xew  York  Times. 


IX  ELECTION  AND  A CONTEST 


341 


too  sure  of  the  Solid  South  to  calmly  surrender  any  i)ortion  of  it, 
though  it  was  demonstrable  that,  in  addition  to  the  white  Ive- 
publican  voters  in  each  State,  there  wei-e  more  colored  voters 
(acknowledged  Eeimbl leans)  in  the  Southeni  States  than  of  all 
the  white  suffragists  comhiiied.  I?oth  parties  now  vigorously 
claimed  the  victory  and  threats  of  violence  became  numerous. 


IHE  CIRCULAR. 

Km«m  ur  t»a  Duimbatk  Stat«  CoMMimt, 
OfUirr  rj. 

Mv  cut  Sit.— PI«M<  *1  cocnmufucaU  wuh 

MOK  teltabt«  peraoa.  (hrve  or  ^ur  pruiop4l  (o«u  and 
in  each  aiy  o(  your  coonry.  and  requew  him  (capeaKa 
duly  arranged  for  at  (h»  cad)  to  te1«sr*pt>  to  Wiluam  M. 
TwtCD, Tammany  Hall,  at  the  minute  of  doaingthc  polla. 
Ml  waiting  for  the  cooni.  auch  peraon'a  caiimaie  of  the  vote. 
Let  the  telegraph  be  aa  (oUowa  ; 1 his  town  will  show  a 

DemocratK  gain  (or  loss]  over  last  year  of~>(n«mber| 

Of  this  ooe.  if  auftcicntJy  certain ; " This  town  will  give  a 
Kcpublican  (or  DemoctaticJ  majority  of There  is 
of  coune  an  important  object  to  be  aliaitied  by  a a>niuf- 
laneous  Iransmiasion  ai  the  hour  of  dosing  the  polls,  but 
not  longer  waiting.  Opportunity  can  be  taken  of  the  usual 
half-hour  lull  m telegraphic  cominumcation  over  lines  be- 
fore actual  rcaulca  begin  to  be  declared,  and  before  the 
Associated  Press  absorb  (he  telegraph  with  reluma  and 
interfere  with  individual  messages,  and  give  orders  (0 
watch  ctrcfully  the  count  Very  truly  yours, 

(Signed)  Samvkl  j Tiuiur,  Chairaua 


LEITER  TO  A POLITICIAN. 

Now,  Mr.  TiLOlM,  I call  on  to  put  a slop  to 
(his  busitKsa.  Vou  have  but  to  walk  into  the  Sheriff's, 
the  Mayor's,  and  the  Supervisors'  offices  in  the  City  Hall 
Park,  and  say  there  must  be  no  more  uf  it— say  it  so  (hat 
(here  shall  M no  doubt  that  you  inmn  it — and  we  shall 
have  a lolerabW  fair  elecnon  once  mure.  Probably  a good 
part  of  the  Twy  Thousand  supplied  last  Fall  with  t^ua 
S'aturaliiaiion  Certificatet  will  offer  to  register  and  to 
vote — come  of  then  pretending  not  to  know  that  they  arc 
no  more  citiaens  of  the  UnitM  Siiics  than  the  King  of 
Dahomey  is— but  very  few  will  vote  repeatedly  unless  paid 
for  It , and  we  shall  not  be  cheated  more  (ban  Ten  Thou- 
sand if  you  simply  lell  the  boss  workmen  (hat  there  must 
be  no  more  Illegal  Voting  instigated  and  paid  for. 

Will  you  do  <(f  Your  reputation  is  at  stake  The 
cnwardly  craft  which 

•'  Meld  SW  ptST  Use 
And  yst  uwild  wrsnghr  •"S" 

trill  not  avaiL  If  we  Republicans  arc  swindled  again  at 
we  were  swindled  last  Fall,  vou.  and  such  as  you,  will  be 
responsible  to  Cod  and  man  lor  the  outraige  ProsecutovN 
magistrates, mumcpal  aulhoriiies.  are  allin  the  pool ; »e 
have  nothing  to  ho^  from  (he  ministers  of  justice,  and  the 
villains  have  no  fear  of  the  terrors  of  the  law.  I appeal  to 
you.  and  aniiously  await  (he  result  Yours. 

^S-  Yuan.  OrMfo*  an  iSSu  HOkACt  CtttLIT. 


PATENT 
MEOlC  I NE 

"reform" 

cooo 

FOR 

CHANGE 


*MY  BROTHERS 

EXTRACT 

or 

corrEE 

GOOD 
FOR 

REFORM. 


WILLIAM  H.  QUINCY  READ  TK' 
RESOLUTIONS.  AT  ThE  LATE 
MANY.  RATiFiCATiONMEETiSC 
OF  THE  GATE  KEEPERS  AT 

'reform  is  necessary’ 


MANUAL  FOR  ThE  INSTRUC 
-THIS  PLAN  (THE  CRE  OiT 
WAS  FIRST  ADOPTED.  ASF 
IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  0Y 
LAWYER  OF  WALL  ST.  S J.T 


T ION  OF  Rings 
MOB  LIER.') 
AR  AS 
AN  CMiNE 
ILOE 


SHINPL  ASTER  'BANK'  OF 
LAKE  SUPERIOR. 

' W.H. BARNUM 


THE  SOLID  SOUTH  ANdH 
THE  SOLID  TAMMANY.  I 

^ThEV  (the  PEOPLE)  WANT 
REFORM.  AND  IN  LOOKING 
ABOUT  THEY  HAVE  BECOME 
CONVINCED  THAT  IT  IS  TO  BE 
FOUND  HCRE*(  POtNTINC  AT 
HIMSELF).  S.  J.  TIL  DEN. 


MR.  TIL0EN3  WAR  RECORD* 
DEFEATING  THE  TAX  COLLECTOR. 


YOU  MAY  BUY 

MORE  - 

MULE5"' 

A .S.Hewit 


THE  PROSPECT  IN  NEW  YORK. 


WHAT  ARE  YOU  GOING  TO  DO  ABOI'T  IT< 

TTNCLE  Sammy’s  bar’l 


342 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ The  Solid  South  has  gone  for  Tilden  and  Hendricks,  and  by 
the  God  of  Battles  they  shall  be  inaugurated!  ” was  the  expres- 
sion of  one  tier}'  editor — a sentiment  widely  echoed  by  men  whose 
knowledge  of  the  facts  was  as  nothing  in  comparison  with  their 
desire  for  results.  Henry  AVatterson,  in  the  Courier  Journal, 
announced  that  100,000  unarmed  citizens  should  march  to 
AVashington  to  maintain  the  rights  of  Air.  Tilden.  Foreign 
delegations  that  had  lingered  after  the  close  of  the  Centennial 
were  likely  to  witness  something  in  American  politics  really 
worth  while. 

The  situation  did  not  improve.  “ Conspiracy  ” and  “ Fraud 
were  shouted  at  Zach.  Chandler,  and  “ Despot  ” was  hurled  at 
General  Grant,  who  had  quietly  strengthened  the  military  forces 
at  the  danger  points. 

A proposition  was  finally  made  and  accepted  that  each  party 
should  send  emissaries  to  the  disputed  States  to  recount  the 
ballots.  The  President  issued  orders  to  General  Shennan  to  pre- 
seiwe  ])eace  and  good  order,  and  to  see  that  the  proper  and  legal 
boards  of  canvassers  were  unmolested  in  the  perfonnance  of 
their  duties. 

“ Should  there  be  any  suspicion  of  a fraudulent  count  on 
either  side,”  the  order  ran,  ” it  should  be  reported  and  de- 
nounced at  once.  No  man  worthy  of  the  office  of  President 
should  be  willing  to  hold  it,  if  counted  in  or  placed  there  by 
fraud.  Either  party  can  afford  to  be  disappointed  in  the  result. 
The  country  cannot  afford  to  have  the  result  tainted  by  sus- 
picion of  illegal  or  false  retunis.” 

In  each  state  the  “ Eetuniing  Boards  ” gave  the  electoral 
votes  to  the  Republican  candidates,  and  a ver\"  large  portion  of 
the  Democratic  party  refused  to  believe  in  the  fairness  of  the 
count.  Certain  inflammatory^  journals  declared  that  this  fraud 
would  not  be  permitted,  and  that  an  army  of  Democrats,  armed 
with  rifles,  and  with  the  war  cry  of  “ Tilden  or  Blood!  ” would 
march  to  AA^ashington  to  take  possession  of  the  Government. 


AX  ELECTION  AND  A CONTEST 


343 


It  was  just  here  that  the  President’s  military  training  and 
quiet  temperament  came  into  play.  AVithout  demonstration  he 
strengthened  the  forces  about  the  capital;  whereupon  the  edi- 
torial desire  for  war  vanished.  AVhatever  may  have  been  the 
estimate  of  his  capacity  as  President,  there  was  no  man  with 
common  sense  who  did  not  respect  General  Grant ’s  honest  desire 
for  peace  and  order,  as  well  as  his  peculiar  genius  for  preserving 
these  conditions. 

Nast  continued  to  caricature  the  situation  from  various  points 
of  view.  The  Ass  in  the  Lion’s  Skin  frightening  the  foreigners 
about  to  leave  us,  and  the  Ballot  Box  being  kicked  hither  and 
thither,  with  little  regard  as  to  its  uprightness,  were  the  most 
telling  of  these  pictures.  On 
December  14  he  received  a sug- 
gestion from  the  Chairman  of 
the  Kepublican  National  Com- 
mittee. 

My  Dear  Mr.  Nast: 

That  “ Elephant  ” is  safe. 

AA'ould  it  not  be  well  to  put  him 
on  his  feet,  with  one  foot  on  the 
Democratic  Tiger,  with  Tilden 
upon  one  tusk  and  Hendricks 
upon  the  other? 

Truly  yours, 

Z.  Chandler. 

But  Nast  did  not  follow  the  suggestion.  He  was  opposed  on 
principle  to  using  any  idea  from  the  outside.  Also  this  especial 
picture,  under  the  conditions,  may  have  seemed  premature. 

Congressional  debates  were  now  in  order.  Propositions  and 
counter  propositions,  with  a good  deal  of  acrimony  and  noisy 
demonstration,  ended  at  last  in  a bill  for  an  Electoral  Commis- 
sion, which  passed  the  Senate  by  a vote  of  forty-seven  to  seven- 
teen, and  the  House  by  a vote  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-one  to 
eighty-six. 


K NATIONAL  GAME  THAT  IS  PLAYED  OUT 


344 


THOMAS  NAST 


This  bill  i^rovided  for  the  selection  of  five  members  from  the 
Senate,  five  from  the  House  and  five  from  the  Supreme  Bench. 
The  bill  was  a Democratic  measure,  and  passed  by  Democratic 
majorities— there  having  been  in  the  two  houses  one  hundred 
and  eighty-six  Democratic  and  fifty-two  Bepublican  votes  in  its 
favor,  while  eighty-five  Bepiiblicans  and  eighteen  Democrats 
voted  against  the  bill. 

In  the  selection  of  the  commission  thus  provided  for,  three 
Kepublicans  and  two  Democrats  were  chosen  from  the  Senate; 
and  three  Democrats  and  two  Bepublicans  were  selected  from 
the  House.  From  the  Supreme  Bench,  it  was  ordered  that  the 
“ Justices  assigned  to  the  First,  Third,  h]ighth  and  Ninth  cir- 
cuits shall  select,  in  such  manner  as  the  majority  of  them  shall 
deem  fit,  another  Associate  Justice  of  said  Court.”  Joseph  P. 
]>radley  was  the  fifth  Justice  finally  chosen,  all  his  associates 
agreeing. 

A remarkable  contest  ensued  between  men  skilled  in  the  game 
and  craft  of  ])olitics.  In  New  York  City,  Abram  S.  Hewitt, 
Chairman  of  the  Democratic  Committee,  was  most  conspicuous 
of  the  Tilden  contingent,  and  his  face  appears  numerously  in  the 
caricatures  of  Nast. 

Henry  AVatterson  likewise  continued  “ red  hot  ” in  his  desire 
to  win  in  this  “ (Jreat  American  Game,”  and  on  Feb.  3 Murat 
Halstead  of  the  Cincinnati  Commercial  is  shown  as  pouring  ice 
water  on  the  head  of  the  Courier  Journal  editor,  from  whose 
sleeves  are  dropping  the  cards  still  unplayed.  The  cards  were, 
of  course,  purely  figurative,  but  somewhat  later,  when  Nast  and 
Watterson  met,  the  latter  said: 

“ What  in  the  world  did  you  ])ut  those  cards  in  mj'  sleeve  for, 
Nast?  The  boys  all  thought  they  were  real,  and  I haven’t  been 
able  to  get  into  a game  since.” 

It  may  1)C  said  here  that  though  Watterson  was  often  and 
severely  caricatured  by  Nast,  and  while  Nast  was  frequently  and 


346  THOMAS  NAST 


'0~-i:  c»0ep'  Mr«HT”PE$tftVf5 

(PereoDal  sketch  sent  to  Col.  Watterson  after  a jKTiod  of  warfare) 


firmly  castigated  by  Watterson,  tlie  two  were  always  the  warm- 
est of  friends.  “ Baby  Watterson  ” (March  10),  a cartoon  on 
the  advent  of  a new  member  in  the  "Watterson  household,  the 
only  one  of  the  100,000  to  amve,  was  highly  appreciated  and 
duly  framed  by  the  Kentucky  editor. 

The  play  for  the  great  stake  of  the  Presidency  continued 
through  the  entire  month  of  February’,  and  the  day  of  inaugura- 
tion was  near  at  hand.  The  Democratic  leaders  fought  with 
startling  boldness  and  amazing  tactics.  Putting  aside  the  idea 
of  obtaining  an  elector  from  any  one  of  the  three  disputed 
Southern  States,  they  sought  out  what  appeared  to  be  a weak 
spot  in  the  North,  and  attempted  to  disqualify  and  displace  a 
Republican  elector  from  Oregon.  The  Electoral  Commission, 
however,  regarded  with  disfavor  this  somewhat  doubtful  pro- 
ceeding, and  on  March  2 brought  in  a verdict  for  Hayes  and 
■\Mieeler.  Mr.  Tilden  had  lost  the  Presidency  by  one  electoral 


AX  ELECTION  AND  A CONTEST 


347 


vote,  as  claimed  by  Mr.  Chandler.  It  was  the  first,  and  thus  far 
has  been  the  only  ease  of  a disputed  Presidency  in  our  history. 

The  effect  of  the  decision  upon  the  Democratic  press  of  the 
country  was  extraordinary.  On  all  hands  was  renewed  the  cry 
of  “ Fraud!  ” and  Hayes  was  openly  charged  with  being  a 
usurper,  profiting  by  dishonor.  The  outcry  was  continued  until 
the  Democratic  party  as  a whole,  as  well  as  a large  percentage  of 
the  Kepublican  party,  forgot  that  the  Electoral  Commission  bill 


A MODERN  DON  QUIXOTE 

(Mr.  Hewitt’s  predicament  after  making  certain  ctiarges  against  the  Post 
Office  in  connection  with  the  election  complications  of  18T6) 

* Proctor  Knott,  of  Kentucky.  The  l)ill  is  said  to  have  originated  with  Mr. 
iMeCrary,  of  Iowa. 

f Tliomas  Nelson  Page,  who  may  he  accepted  as  authority  on  matters  pertain- 
ing to  the  South,  says: 

“ In  some  places  the  question  was  seriouslj"  debated  whether  it  was  worse  to  use 
force  or  fraud,  the  necessity  for  one  or  the  other  being  simply  assumed.  In  others, 
some  negroes  substantially  auctioned  off  their  votes.” — “ The  Disfranchisement  of 
the  Negro,”  Scribner’s  Magazine,  July,  1904. 


had  been  first  re- 
ported from  the  Ju- 
diciary Committee 
by  a Southeni  Dem- 
ocrat * in  a Demo- 
cratic House,  and 
had  been  supported 
by  an  overwhelming 
Democratic  major- 
ity. AVhatever  may 
have  been  the  rights 
in  the  beginning 
(and  rights  are  not 
easily  determined 
where  purchase  on 
one  side  and  coer- 
cion on  the  other  are 
regarded  as  legiti- 
mate methodsf),  all 
must  concede  that 


348 


THOMAS  XAST 


with  the  verdict  of 
the  Electoral  Com- 
mission the  Presi- 
dency belonged  to 
P n t h e r f o r d B. 

ITayes.  Yet  there 
are  men  to-day,  of 
both  parties,  who 
have  not  read,  and 
who  would  not  care 
to  read,  a page  of 
the  official  reports 
of  the  controversy — 
who,  with  no  actual 
knowledge  of  the 

facts,  sincerely 
maintain  that  Sam- 
uel J.  Tilden  was 

lawfully  elected 
President  of  the 

United  States,  only 

to  be  denied  his  “ another  such  victory  and  i am  undone.” — pyrrhus 

seat  through  Republican  legislative  and  military  powerU 

Nast  closed  the  contest  pictorial ly  with  a humorous  caricature 
of  the  much  battered  and  bandaged  Republican  Elephant  saying, 
with  Pyrrhus: 

“ Another  such  victory  and  I am  undone.” 

We  may  fittingly  end  this  chapter  with  a letter  recently  re- 
ceived by  the  writer  of  these  chronicles  from  a gentleman  con- 
nected with  the  National  Republican  Committee  of  1876.  Nast 
himself  never  referred  to  the  incident  which  this  letter  recalls. 


* Mr.  Tilden  received  a majority  of  the  popular  Pre.sidential  vote.'  In  this  sense 
he  was  the  “ people’s  choice.”  Any  other  claim  of  his  legal  election  is  based  upon 
nothing  more  tangible  than  violent  and  prolonged  assertion. 


AN  ELECTION  AND  A CONTEST 


34y 


Perhaps  it  had  jiassed  from  his  memory.  Perhaps  he  did  not 
consider  it  worth  recording: 

Roseburg,  Ore.,  July  0,  1904. 

Dear  Sir: 

At  the  close  of  the  Hayes-Tilden  campaign  I was  sent  to 
]\Iorristown  by  the  Republican  National  Committee  with  a 
check  for  $10,000  drawn  in  favor  of  Thomas  Nast  as  a recog- 
nition of  the  great  services  he  rendered  the  committee  in  that 
famous  campaign,  and  he  declined  to  receive  it. 

He  said,  “ You  may  tell  the  committee  that  I am  very  grateful 
for  the  recognition,  but  as  I have  been  paid  by  Harper  Brothers 
I cannot  accept  it.” 

After  spending  a pleasant  hour  with  J\lr.  Nast,  I returned  to 
'Washington  and  reported  to  the  committee.  To  say  that  Senator 
Chandler  was  surprised  and  disappointed  is  putting  it  hut 
mildly.  Mr.  Hayes  smiled  and  said,  ” He  (Nast)  was  the  most 
powerful  single-handed  aid  we  had.” 

\’’erv  respectfully, 

R.  W.  Mitchell. 


ADMIT  BEAHER 

Jo  pALLEF^Y  OK  ^OOSE  OF  p.EPK^ESEMTATlVES 
March  I,  187T. 


PART  FIVE  : THE  STATESIvIAN 

CHAPTER  XL 

A DISTIXGUISIIED  GUEST,  AND  A GREAT  LOSS 

In  the  midst  of  the  Tilden-IIayes  controversy  had  come 
Grant’s  last  Annual  Message— a dignified,  though  rather  sad, 
document  of  farewell.  In  it  he  referred  to  the  mistakes  he  had 
made  in  political  appointments.  In  part,  he  said: 

History  shows  that  no  administration,  from  the  time  of 
AVashingion  to  the  present,  has  been  free  from  these  mistakes; 
hut  I leave  comparisons  to  Histoiy,  claiming  only  that  I have 
acted  in  every  instance  from  a conscientious  desire  to  do  what 
was  right,  constitutional,  within  the  law,  and  for  the  verj^  best 
interests  of  the  people.  Failures  have  been  errors  of  judgment, 
not  of  intent.  . . . It  is  not  probable  that  public  affairs  will 
ever  again  receive  attention  from  me,  further  than  as  a citizen 
of  the  republic,  always  taking  a deep  interest  in  the  honor, 
integrity  and  prosperity  of  the  whole  land. 

Nast  portrayed  Columbia  as  soiTowfully  contemplating  the 
patriot’s  parting  words.  Later  he  presented  Grant  as 
“ Ulysses  ” leaving  official  honors  all  behind— a dignified  con- 
ception of  the  hero  he  had  loved  so  long  and  defended  so  well. 
Only  once  had  the  artist  criticised  the  soldier,  and  the  soldier 
had  long  honored  the  artist  with  his  friendship  and  his  con- 
fidence. 

The  bond  between  them  now  ripened  into  intimacy.  On  May  3, 
just  prior  to  the  celebrated  “ Trip  Around  the  World,”  the  ex- 


A DISTINGUISHED  GUEST,  AND  A GREAT  LOSS  351 

President,  with  Mrs.  Grant  and  young  Ulysses,  made  a family 
visit  to  the  home  at  Morristown. 

The  Nasts  gave  a quiet  dinner  in  honor  of  their  guests.  Josiah 
Fiske  and  General  Corbin  were  there,  and  two  of  the  Haiqrer 
tinn.  Of  course  an  eft’ort  was  made  to  have  the  affair  as  perfect 
as  possible.  The  table  was  artistically  arranged  and  decorated, 
the  courses  had  been  carefully  chosen  and  came  in  due  sequence, 
the  coffee  appeared  at  last  to  complete  the  successful  round  of 
refreshment. 

Then  all  at  once  the  host  was  seized  with  a mortal  agony  of 
spirit.  Not  being  a smoker  himself,  he  had  forgotten  the  cigars! 
"With  the  most  celebrated  smoker  in  the  nation  at  his  table — 
the  man  whom  he  had  depicted  as  puffing  serenely  when  assailed 
by  his  enemies— with  this  great  visitor  at  his  hoard,  he  had  for- 
gotten the  cigars!  Pale,  and  with  beads  of  perspiration  on  his 
brow,  he  glanced  appealingly  at  the  guest  of  honor,  who  smiled 
reassuringly. 

“ It ’s  all  right,  Nast, ’ ’ he  said.  ‘ ‘ I remembered  that  you  don’t 
smoke.  Besides,  I never  go  into  action  without  ammunition,” 
and  he  drew  forth  a handful  of  his  favorite  Havanas. 

During  the  table  talk  that  day  the  ex-President  said:  “ I am 
tired  of  abuse,  and  of  being  a seiwant  of  the  people.  I am  going 
to  feel  once  more  how  it  seems  to  be  a sovereign,  as  every 
American  citizen  is.” 

General  Grant  was  seized  with  a chill  while  still  seated  at 
the  table,  which  made  the  visit  end  rather  unhappily — all 
the  more  so  as  he  was  obliged  to  take  the  train  that  evening 
and  the  station  platfonn  was  crowded  with  those  who  were 
anxious  to  do  him  honor.  He  rallied  as  best  he  could  and  his 
visit  proved  a notable  event  in  the  little  city,  long  remembered 
by  those  who  had  an  opportunity  to  see,  and  perhaps  to  shake 
the  hand  of,  the  foremost  “ American  citizen.”  Two  weeks  later 
he  had  begun  his  long  triumphal  journey  around  the  world. 


352 


THOMAS  NAST 


The  month  of  May  was  to  end  sadly  enough.  On  the  29tli, 
Fletcher  Hari^er,  who  had  been  ont  of  the  office  for  several  weeks, 
suddenly  died.  The  stalwart,  far-seeing  man,  who  for  fifteen 
years  had  been  Nast’s  truest  inspiration  and  finnest  support,  was 
no  longer  to  be  a part  in  the  policy  and  guidance  of  the  journal  to 
which  the  artist  had  given  his  best  years  and  thought,  and  whose 
success  was  so  identified  with  his  own.  No  more  serious  blow 
than  the  death  of  Fletcher  Harper  could  have  befallen  Thomas 
Nast.  Friend,  counsellor  and  champion  he  had  been,  with  that 
unwavering  faith  which  inspires  courage  and  promotes  immortal 
deeds.  His  successor,  J.  W.  Harper,  Jr.  (“  Joe  Brooklyn  ”)  was 
no  less  a friend  to  Nast,  but  he  was  without  the  rugged  fearless- 
ness and  initiative  of  his  uncle.  He  was  more  likely  to  be  swayed 
by  the  pacific  policies  and  culture  of  Curtis,  and  to  accord  with 
the  idea  that  the  pictorial  pages  should  reiterate  the  editorial 
columns.  Disagreements  were  certain  to  arise,  and  without  the 
intermediation  of  Fletcher  Harper  trouble  was  bound  to  ensue. 

There  was  to  be  no  delay  in  the  beginning.  Nast’s  satisfaction 
in  the  election  of  Hayes  had  been  shortlived.  The  President’s 
Southern  policy,  as  declared  in  his  Inaugural  Address— that 
of  pacifying  the  South  by  removing  all  military'  protection  from 
the  colored  voter— he  firmly  opposed.  When  it  further  became 
known  that  Hayes  was  to  recognize  the  Democratic  candidate, 
Nicholls,  as  Govenior  of  Louisiana,  whereas  the  election  of 
Packard,  the  Kepublican  candidate,  rested  on  a basis  similar  to 
that  of  the  President,  the  cartoonist  declined  to  introduce 
Hayes  otherwise  than  unfavorably  into  the  pictures.*  Curtis, 
on  the  other  hand,  was  enthusiastic  over  the  pacification  idea, 
which  appealed  to  his  own  spirit  of  gentleness  and  avoidance  of 
stringent  measures.  A break  seemed  imminent.  Yet  Nast 
remained  good-natured,  biding  his  time. 

♦ It  has  been  repeatedly  asserted,  though  without  proof,  that  Haj’es  was  party 
to  a “ bargain  ” agreeing  to  seat  Nicholls  and  remove  the  troops  as  the  price  of  his 
Presidential  seat. 


A DISTINGUISHED  GUEST.  AND  A GREAT  LOSS  353 


H ALL  THAT  S LEFT 


lie  contented  liiniself  for  tlie  nionient  with  social  and  inter- 
national pictures,  some  of  them  being  done  in  the  old  manner- 
drawn  with  wash  instead  of  pencil.  The  Army  and  Navy 
cause  he  still  esi)oused.  Also  he  noted  a final  incident  of  A. 
Oakey  Hall’s  metropolitan  careoi’,  in  a small  picture  bearing  the 
very  English  legend,  “ H’all  That’s  Left  ” — the  cartoon  being  of 
Hall’s  glasses  only — their  owner  having  taken  leave  for  England 
soon  after  Tweed’s  published  statement 
that  he  was  ready  to  bear  witness 
against  his  old  associates.  Hall’s  ar- 
rival in  England  under  the  name  of 
Sutliffe  was  reported  iMarch  31  from 
London,  where,  like  Tweed,  he  had 
been  speedily  recognized  by  those 
familiar  with  the  King  cartoons.  He 
was  not  disturbed,  however,  and  lived 
in  considerable  respectability  for  a number  of  years.  But 
the  “ Finger  of  Sconi  ” did  not  fail  to  follow  him.  Pro- 
fessor James  Bryce  published  his  book,  The  Amei-ican  Com- 
monwealth,” which  contained  a chapter  contributed  by  Pro- 
fessor Goodnow,  of  Columbia  College,  relating  the  Tammany 
scandals  and  Hall’s  connection  therewith.  Upon  the  appearance 
of  the  book.  Hall  sued  Professor  Biwce  for  libel,  with  damages 
laid  at  ten  thousand  pounds.  Professor  Bin'ce  regarded  the 
action  as  a blackmailing  scheme  and  promptly  prepared  for  trial, 
with  depositions  taken  in  New  York  and  with  files  of  Hai7)er’s 
Weekly  supplied  by  Nast,  whose  cartoons  had  resulted  in  no 
libel  suits  on  this  side  of  the  water.*  Hall  failed  to  press  the 
suit,  and  in  1897  Professor  Biwce  liad  it  dismissed  “ for  want  of 
ju’osecution,”  by  which  time  Hall  (1891)  had  retumed  to 
America.  Nast  promptly  caricatured  him  again,  whereupon 

♦ It  has  been  stated  that  Professor  Bryce  withdrew  the  edition  of  his  hook  con- 
taining the  Tweed  chapter.  This  is  not  true.  The  edition  was  sold  out.  In  a 
second  edition  while  the  suit  was  in  court  the  chapter  was  omitted,  and  subse- 
quently restored  in  its  present  form,  written  hv  Professor  Bryce  himself. 

23 


354 


THOMAS  NAST 


Hall,  with  the  old  sjoirit  of  bravado,  sent  him  a late  photograph, 
marked  “ Exhibit  32,  for  Identification,”  and  with  it  a brief 
note: 

INIr.  Hall’s  compliments  to  IMr.  Xast.  Since  the  latter  has 
again  deemed  it  necessary  to  bring  the  former  into  ])ictorial 
prominence,  he  begs  to  enclose  the  last  photograph,  showing  a 
change  of  ap])earance  rendered  necessary  by  a pending  event. 

"What  the  “ pending  event  ” was  cannot  now  be  known.  Nast 
replied  that  a change  in  appearance  made  no  difference  what- 
ever, but  that  a “ change  in  principles  would.”  The  letter  and 
photograph  were  put  in  evidence  by  Professor  Bryce  to  show 
that  Hall’s  tendency  was  to  court  rather  than  to  shun  the 
notoriety  incident  to  caricature.  All  this,  of  course,  was  long 
after  the  echoes  of  the  Ring’s  downfall  had  died  away,  and  we 
have  gone  far  ahead  of  our  narrative  in  following  out  “ Elegant 
Oakey’s  ” career.  He  died  in  New  York  City,  October  7,  1898. 

As  the  weeks  went  by  and  Nast  made  no  pictorial  comment 
on  the  presidential  policy,  despite  the  fact  that  the  inside  pages 
of  the  Weekly  were  filled  with  complimentary  editorials  from 
the  pen  of  Curtis,  the  public  began  to  wonder  and  to  make  sur- 
mises. The  daily  papers  commented  on  the  matter,  at  first 
lightly,  then  in  serious  editorials — favorable  or  otherwise  to 
Nast,  according  to  their  lights  and  affiliations.  Letters  came 
both  to  the  cartoonist  and  to  the  publishers,  asking  why  the 
former  contented  himself  with  matters  apart  from  those  upper- 
most in  the  public  mind,  and  apparently  of  foremost  importance 
to  Mr.  Curtis. 

“ Give  us  a picture  from  Nast.  Let  us  hear  what  Nast  has 
to  say  on  the  subject,”  was  the  general  demand  from  those  who 
did  not  find  complete  satisfaction  in  the  President’s  course. 

“ I’m  ready  to  give  them  something  when  you  say  the  word!  ” 
the  artist  said  rather  shortly  to  Mr.  Harper,  who  had  handed 
him  one  of  these  letters. 


A DISTINGUISHED  GUEST,  AND  A GREAT  LOSS  355 

“ But  you  ■want  to  attack  the  President,  Nast.  AVe  -vN-ant 
to  give  him  a chance.  AVe  believe  he  means  well.” 

” He  means  well  but  he  doesn’t  do  well,”  retorted  Nast. 

” But  that’s  just  your  opinion.  The  general  disposition  seems 
to  be  to  stand  back  and  give  the  President’s  policy  a chance.” 

“ AA’ill  you  let  me  put  that  in  the  fonn  of  a cartoon?  ” 

” Yes,  if  you  keep  Hayes  out  of  it.” 

So  Nast  caricatured  himself  as  being  in  the  “ Blue  ” room 
of  the  AVhite  House,  held  dowp  in  the  policy  chair  by  Uncle  Sam, 
who  says,  “ Our  artist  must  keep  cool,  and  sit  down,  and  see 
how  it  works.”  Above  on  the  walls  was  the  sign,  ” AVatch  and 
Pray.  . . . Stand  back  and  give  the  President’s  policy  a chance,” 
and  this  was  signed  ” Gen.  Disposition.”  The  picture  conveyed 
precisely  the  conditions  in  PYanklin  Square,  and  was  widely 
commented  upon,  puslic  Nonct 

’V#ATCM PftAY? 

“ Is  that  fellow  GIVE  THC  PRESIDENT'S 

POLICY  A CHANCE. 

choking  you  in-  GEN  DtSPOSiTiOM 

tended  for  me  or 
Air.  Curtis?  ” Air. 

Harper  asked  when 
he  saw  it. 

“ Neither,”  said 
Nast,  quietly.  “ It 
doesn’t  represent  an 
individual,  hut  a 
policy.  Policy  al- 
ways strangles  in- 
dividuals.” 

In  fact,  an  epoch 
had  closed,  a new 
era  had  begun.  And 
this  was  equallv 

‘ “ N’AY,  PATIENCE,  on  WE  BREAK  THE  siyEv:s."— Shakespeare 

t rue  in  ne wspapei  s. — ■*  Our  artist  must  keep  cool,  ami  sit  down,  and  see  how  it  works.” 


356 


THOMAS  NAST 


aud  in  national  affairs.  Issues  were  perhaps  no  less  vital, 
but  they  were  less  violent.  Political  differences  were  be- 
coming academic  rather  than  polemic.  Parliamentary  matters 
were  to  be  shai^ed  in  the  committee  rooms  rather  than  in 
the  halls  of  eloquence  and  logic.  In  jounialism  the  indi- 
vidual would  he  merged  more  and  more  into  the  policy,  and 
policies  would  become  less  and  less  clearly  defined.  The  man 
was  to  be  rejilaced  by  the  machine,  and  the  machine  is  not 
a thing  of  inspired  purpose  or  sublime  convictions.  Tlie  death 
of  Horace  Greeley,  of  the  elder  Bennett  and  of  Fletcher  Harper 
marked  the  decline  of  the  old  order  and  the  beginning  of  the 
new.  Such  men  would  not  he  replaced,  for  they  were  the  result 
of  conditions  that  had  passed,  or  were  swiftly  passing  away. 
The  great  mass  of  the  American  people,  busy  with  their  trades, 
their  farms  and  their  ventures  in  commerce,  were  beginning 
not  to  care.  With  the  passing  of  the  great  military  President 
and  the  advent  of  Hayes,  the  change  seems  now  to  have  been 
clearly  marked.  Only  during  the  heat  of  presidential  campaign 
would  there  be  again  a semblance  of  the  old  fierce  strife.  Even 
then  the  bloody  shirt  would  flap  rather  than  wave,  and  oftener 
in  deference  to  some  defunct  and  buried  issue  it  would  be  draped 
at  half-mast. 

To  Nast  the  change  which  had  already  begun  meant  more 
than  to  any  other  living  man.  More  than  any  other  he  was  a 
knight  in  armor  whose  skill  lay  in  dealing  swift  and  heavy 
blows,  whose  purpose  was  to  avenge  wrong.  When  the  crusade 
is  over  the  paladin  does  not  lightly  put  aside  his  battle-a.ve 
and  buckler  to  become  a harlequin  and  entertain  at  the  public 
behest.  Already  there  were  plenty  of  such  pictorial  acrobats — 
men  with  swift  clever  pencils,  adapted  to  the  new  idea,  willing 
to  draw  what  they  were  paid  for  and  to  use  motives  supplied 
from  any  authoritative  source.  Puck  had  been  started,  and 
Keppler,  a man  of  great  ability,  and  with  few  convictions  beyond 


A DISTINGUISHED  GUEST,  AND  A GREAT  LOSS  357 


those  of  line  and  color,  had  leaped  into  immediate  public  favor. 
The  people  who  had  ceased  to  care  as  in  the  old  days  were 
pleased  with  the  skilful  caricature,  and  laughed  at  the 
clever  hits  so  unlike  the  penetrating  thrusts  and  huge  destruc- 
tive blows  of  Xast.  The  day  of  his  destiny  was  by  no  means 
over.  He  was  to  add  other  triumphs  to  his  record  of  victories 
won.  But  the  noon-tide  of  his  glory  had  slipped  by — the  sun  was 
already  dropping  down  the  west. 


THE  FIH.ST  ISSVE  OF  Pl'CK.  A CARICATUHE  BY  KEPPLER  OF 
THE  LEADERS  IN  JOURNALISM 

(Wliitelaw  Reid,  Ben.  Wood,  George  Jones,  Bennett  Jr.,  Charles  Dana, 
Win.  Cullen  Bryant,  Frank  Leslie  and  others  are  in  the  group.  In  the  lower 
right-hand  corner,  Nast  appears,  with  Harper's  Weekly  “ under  his  wing  ”) 


CHAPTER  XLI 


A DEFEAT  AND  A TKIUMPII 

The  caricature  of  himself  was  Nast’s  only  reference  to  the 
‘‘  surrender  policy  ” of  the  Administration,  and  during  the  early 
summer  he  continued  to  occupy  his  time  with  social  and  army 
cartoons,  and  with  pictorial  obseiwations  on  the  Turko-Russian 
'War,  then  in  progress.  He  did  step  aside  to  pay  a negative  com- 
pliment to  the  Civil  Service  efforts  of  Hayes,  by  depicting  the 
seiwice  as  it  was  under  Andrew  Jackson,  whose  administration 
had  established  the  precedent  that  “ To  the  victor  belongs  the 
spoils.”*  Hayes  was  making  a sincere  effort  to  further  the 
needed  refonn  which  Grant  had  favored,  and  Xast  did  not 
hesitate  to  lend  aid  to  the  idea. 

Perhaps  Xast’s  friends  decided  that  he  needed  recreation,  for 
we  find  evidence  of  a plan  arranged  by  Henry  'Watterson,  iMurat 
Halstead,  and  Samuel  Bowles  of  tbe  Springfield  Republican,  a 
trio  known  as  the  “ president  makers,”  to  take  the  artist  to 
Kentucky,  thence  to  Nashville,  where  Watterson  was  to  deliver 
a Decoration  Day  address.  Watterson  wrote  to  Bowles,  urging 
the  arrangement. 

AVhy  can’t  you  and  Tom  Xast  leave  New  York  the 
evening  of  the  28th,  arrive  here  next  night,  spend  the  30th 

*A  sentiment  proclaimed  in  the  Senate  by  William  L.  Marcy  in  1832.  In  two 
years  President  Jackson  had  made  ten  times  as  many  removals  as  all  his  predeces- 
sors had  made  in  forty  years. 


A DEFEAT  AND  A TRIUMPH 


359 


here,  go  with  me  that  night  to  Nashville,  return  the  next 
night  and  then  spend  two  or  three  days  in  the  Blue  Grass? 
Halstead  will  join  you  at  Cincinnati,  and  we  will  make  a week 
of  it.  1 mean  to  make  the  most  earnest,  ungrudgingly  national 
speech  1 am  able  to  prepare,  and,  as  it  is  the  tirst  instance 
of  the  kind  since  the  war,  1 hope  to  do  some  good  to  both 
side+^. 

Xast,  when  consulted,  declared  that  he  could  not  make  such 
a trip  until  later,  which  brought  a i)rotest  from  Bowles. 


■\Vicked  Boy!  Behold! 

I cannot  wait  till  it  gets  summer  hot.  Cannot  you 
arrange  to  meet  us!  Tell  the  great  “ Joseph  ” that  it 
is  necessary  for  your  education  in  the  new  politics.  AVe  will 
pick  up  Halstead  and  we  will  not  read  the  editorials,  either 
of  Har})er’s  or  the  Springfield  Kepublican  all  the  while  we  are 
gone. 

Let  me  have  a word  at  the  Brevoort  House,  where  I may  be 
on  Tuesday.  Yours  very  truly,  Sam’l  Bowles. 


The  “ President 
makers  ” had  their 
reunion  in  the  land 
of  Blue  Grass,  but 
this  time  Nast  did 
not  make  one  of  the 
happy  party.  It  may 
be  that  work  was 
pressing  just  then, 
or  the  artist  may 
have  had  reason  to 
think  that  a little 
later  there  would  be 
more  time  for  recre- 
ative pleasures.  In 
June  he  presented  a 
pretty  picture  of 
Kate  Claxtou,  whose 


PEACE  Kl'MOHS 
Lut  Us  Have  (A)  Peace  < Piece) 

{The  Turk  ictshes  he  teas  a Christian) 


3G0 


THOMAS  XAST 


dramatic  career  in  the  “ Two  Orphans  ” had  been  marked  by  a 
number  of  disastrous  fires.  The  press  had  made  merry  over  the 
sorrowful  circumstance,  inventing  jokes,  incidents  and  inter- 
views, much  to  Miss  Claxton’s  annoyance  and  grief.  The  pic- 


ture represented  the  mischievous  reporters  as  a cloud  of  little 
donkeys  armed  with  pens  and  torches,  following  the  actress  and 


disporting  themselves  at  her  ex- 
pense. In  heartfelt  acknowledg- 
ment Miss  Claxton  wrote: 


Thos.  Nast— Dear  Sir: 

One  evening,  almost  two  weeks 
ago  now,  when  feeling  weary  and 
depressed.  Harper’s  Weekly  con- 
taining your  cartoon  was  handed 
me. 


One  must  have  had  an  ex- 
perience as  sad  as  mine,  and  felt 
as  keenly  the  stings  of  a thought- 
less, an<l  what  has  seemed  to  me 
a heartless,  word-cpiibbling  over 
it,  to  know  how  deeply  and  truly 
1 a})preciate  your  work.  I take 
this,  the  very  first  opportunity  I have  had  since  my  retuni  from 
the  West,  to  thank  you  for  your  great  and  unexpected  kindness 
to  me.  You  have  done  me,  with  a touch  of  your  wonderful 
pencil,  a service  no  words  I am  clever  enough  to  think  of  can 
describe.  Acce])t,  sir,  the  assurance  of  my  lasting  gratitude.  I 
thank  you.  1 thank  you!  Kate  Claxton. 


OUR  PRESENT  ARMY 

DOWN  ? 


CAN  IT  BE  CUT 


The  picture  was  commented  upon  and  approved  by  the  better 
class  of  journals  throughout  the  country,  and  the  amusement  at 
the  expense  of  Miss  Claxton  ceased. 

There  was  to  be  little  more  of  Nast’s  work  that  summer. 
The  standing  army  as  the  shadow  of  a skeleton  was  a final 
stroke  in  that  worthy  cause,  and  a double  page,  showing  Grant 
being  lionized  and  crowned  by  Britannia,  recorded  an  episode 
in  the  march  of  the  absent  soldier.  Following  this,  we  find 
Tilden  and  Hendricks,  who  had  been  presidential  possibilities 


A DEFEAT  AXD  A TRIUMPH 


361 


since  1«G4,  embalmed  as  mummies  to  be  kept  “ until  1880,  or 
longer.”  In  view  of  the  “ cipher  disclosures  ” which  were  to 
occur  more  than  a year  later,  there  would  seem  to  be  some 
curious  prescience  in  this  picture  with  its  occupants  swathed 
in  wrappings  and  cartonnage,  and  covered  with  cabalistic  signs. 
It  was  that  element  of  unconscious  presage  which  is  to  be  found 
again  and  again  in  the  work  of  Nast,  and  was  to  continue  with 
him  to  the  last  tragic  touch  that  foretold  the  final  scene.  In 
the  issue  of  July  14th,  Britannia  is  shown  as  wiping  the 
eyes  of  the  Egyptian  Sphinx,  assuring  it  of  j)rotection.  Then 
for  nearly  four  months  not  a line  of  Nast’s  appears. 

The  Weekly  made 
no  explanation  of 
this  silence  and 
everybody  was  curi- 
ous. The  Harpers 
and  Xast  were  al- 
ternately  inter- 
viewed by  reporters 
from  the  Sun, 

"World  and  other 
journals,  but  little 
satisfaction  was  ob- 
tained. All  sorts  of 
rumors  were  started. 

It  was  claimed  that 
Xast  used  a coating 
for  his  engraving 
blocks  that  had 
poisoned  his  hand. 

Journals  whose 
hope  inspired  the 
prophecy,  declared 

, , * , , ^ THE  CHIVALROUS  PRESS.  ONE  MIGHT  ESCAPE  FIRE,  BUT — 

tlint  lie  WOVllcl  Ue\  G1  (Mis^s  Claxton  anJ  the  Ilcportors) 


362 


THOMAS  NAST 


draw  again.  Others  recalled  the  “ Gen.  Disposition  ” caricature 
and  announced  with  an  air  of  authority  that  there  had  been 
trouble  in  Franklin  Square  over  the  President’s  Southern  policy, 
and  that  Xast  had  left  Harper’s  for  good.  The  fact  that  the 
Weekly  now  published  several  pictures  complimentary  to  Hayes 
was  accejDted  as  proof  of  this  conclusion,  though  the  cartoons 
themselves  were  compared  rather  unfavorably  with  the  more 
strenuous  work  of  Xast.  The  following  sequence  from  the  Inter 
Ocean  will  serve  as  a brief  summary  of  many  artistic  con- 
clusions. 

Oh,  give  us  back  Xast!  AVe  prefer  malignant  cartoons  to 
idiotic  ones.  Boston  Post. 

Amen ! Springfield  Eepublican. 

And  so  say  a thousand  papers.  The  original  article  is 
wanted,  not  an  imitation.  Eochester  Democrat. 

To  this  the  Inter  Ocean  adds: 

But  Xast  never  agreed  with 
the  editorial  page.  Must  we  not 
“consist  ” in  these  perilous 
times? 

As  a matter  of  fact,  the  cause 
of  the  rupture  between  the  art- 
ist and  his  publishers  had  noth- 
ing whatever  to  do  with  the 
political  situation.  Indeed,  the 
incident  had  less  of  public  im- 
portance than  interest,  and  per- 
haps in  itself  seemed  too  per- 
sonal and  too  trivial  to  be  given 
to  the  press. 

A brief  poem  written  by 
James  Eussell  Lowell  in  1876 
had  been  the  start  of  the  whole  ^'akicature  painting  of  napoleon 

SARONY 

mattei.  Lowell  was  now  Min-  (SaronyaudNast  were  friends  for  many  years) 


A DEFEAT  AND  A TRIUMPH 


3G3 


THE  UNPUBLISHED  CARTOON  OF  MINISTER  LOWELL  (From  a prooO 

ister  to  Spain,  and  to  Xast  it  seemed  that  his  poetic  strictures  on 
his  own  country  * might,  with  propriety,  he  repeated  to  certain 

♦THE  WORLD’S  FAIR,  1870. 

Columbia,  puzzled  what  she  should  display 
Of  true  home  make  on  her  Centennial  Day, 

Asked  Brother  Jonathan;  he  scratched  his  head 
Whittled  awhile  reflectively  and  said, 

“Your  own  invention  and  own  making,  too? 

Why  any  child  could  tell  ye  what  to  do — 

Show  ’em  your  Civil  Sendee  and  explain 
How  all  men’s  loss  is  everybody’s  gain; 

Show  your  new  patent  to  increase  your  rents 
By  paying  (piarters  for  collecting  cents; 

Show  your  short  cut  to  cure  financial  ills 
By  making  paper  dollars  current  bills; 

Show  your  new  bleaching  process,  cheap  and  brief. 

To  wit,  a jury  chosen  by  the  thief; 

Show  your  State  Legislature;  show  your  Rings, 

And  challenge  Europe  to  produce  such  things 
As  high  officials  sitting  half  in  sight 
To  share  the  plunder  and  to  fix  things  right. 

If  that  don’t  fetch  her,  why  you  only  need 
To  show  your  latest  style  in  martyrs— TWEED 
She’ll  find  it  hard  to  hide  her  spiteful  tears 
At  such  advance  in  one  poor  hundred  years. 

From  the  "Nation." 


— J.  R.  L. 


3G4 


THOMAS  XAST 


Eluropeaii  nations.  The  poet-minister  \ras  depicted  as  reading 
liis  lines  to  drowsy  listeners,  themselves  laden  with  bigotry  and 
debt.  The  poem  seems  a commonplace  production,  and  the  pic- 
ture is  of  no  special  merit.  Certainly,  from  an  international 
standpoint  it  seems  inoffensive  enough,  compared  with  many  of 
those  which  had  preceded  it,  and  was  hardly  a deadly  thrust  at 
Lowell,  who  was  quite  able  to  laugh  at  a satire  much  more  severe. 
If  Mr.  Curtis  had  objected  to  the  feature  as  not  being  worth  the 
space,  we  could  think  him  justified,  but  the  fact  that  the  block 
was  engraved,  the  page  numbered  and  the  paper  ready  for  the 
press  would  jireclude  this  assumption.  It  must  have  been,  there- 
fore, his  old  scruples  against  admitting  a man  of  parts,  like 
Lowell,  into  any  cartoon.  At  all  events,  he  besought  IMr.  Haiper 
to  leave  out  both  poem  and  picture,  and  in  spite  of  the  fact  that 
Secretary  Evarts,  who  was  asked  to  testify,  could  see  no  hann  in 
the  feature,  it  did  not  appear  in  the  issue  for  July  14th,  for  which 

it  had  been  intended,  nor  ever  after.  This 
was  a triumph  for  Curtis,  and  wo  may 
assume  that  it  was  the  principle  involved 
rather  than  the  loss  of  the  picture  itself 
that  resulted  in  Xast’s  voluntary  retire- 
ment from  the  paper. 

Among  those  who  sought  information 
on  the  subject  was  James  Parton,  iu  a 
letter  addressed  to  ^Irs.  Xast; 

Xewbury])ort,  !Mass.,  Sept.  19,  1877. 
My  Dear  Sally: 

In  common  with  the  people  of  the 
Ignited  States  generally,  I miss  a certain 
hand  from  Harper’s  Weekly.  Please 
write  me  one  line  to  let  me  know  if  any- 
thing serious  is  the  matter.  At  first  I hoped  he  had  been  wise 
enough  to  take  a holiday,  and  read  with  pleasure  of  your  l)eing 
at  Long  Branch.  But  many  weeks  have  now  passed  and  I can 
yet  see  no  trace  of  him.  Meanwhile  iniciuity  abounds,  the  incom- 


JAMES  I’AHTON 


A DEFEAT  A^D  A TRIUMPH 


3G5 


peteiit  m<asters  who  drive  the 
men  to  strike  by  their  insolence 
and  inlimnanity  still  live.  The 
Avenger  stirs  not.  AVhat  is  the 
matter  with  our  Achilles  of  the 
2>encil ! 

Perhaps  you  are  in  Europe! 
Sally,  we  have  the  nicest, 
plumpest,  merriest  baby  ever 
seen  out  of  Mon-istown.  She  is 
gifted  beyond  her  months.  She 
is  seven  months,  but  she  knows 
how  to  bump  heads,  play  bo-peep, 
laugh  out  loud  and  put  every- 
thing into  her  mouth.  Her  eyes 
are  the  brightest  blue,  and  her 
hair  is  of  the  color  of  tow.  She 
is  a perpetual  delight  and  weighs 
eighteen  pounds. 

Send  me  one  word  if  you  are  in 
this  hemisphere,  and  give  my  love  to  the  Avenger  and  the 
children.  Your  affectionate  cousin, 

Janies  Parton. 

To  this  Mrs.  Nast  replied 
quite  fully,  enclosing  a proof  of 
the  rejected  cartoon. 

At  the  risk  of  dwelling  too 
long  on  what  would  seem  no 
great  matter,  but  which,  after 
all,  was  the  beginning  of  those 
trying  conditions  which  ten 
years  later  were  to  end  in  the 
close  of  a great  career — the  his- 
toric combination  of  a man  and 
a paper — we  may  consider  in 
full  Parton ’s  second  letter: 

Newburyport,  Mass., 

Sept.  25,  1877. 
i\Iy  dear  Sally  and  Tommy: 

I have  read  your  letter  with 


MRS.  XAST,  1871 


3C6 


THOMAS  XAST 


great  interest,  and  inspected  closely  the  ])ictnre,  wondering 
where  the  treason  lies  in  the  latter.  If  that  picture  is  to  be 
rejected  for  any  reason,  it  is  plain  that  Thomas  Nast  and  the 
rejector  thereof  cannot  work  in  concert.  You  could  never  be 
sure  of  having  anything  accepted,  and  that  feeling  of  doubt 
would  paralyze  your  ann  in  another  than  the  physical  sense. 

On  the  other  hand  there  cannot  be  two  captains  to  one 
ship,  nor  two  editors  to  one  paper.  If  Mr.  Curtis  is  to  be  the 
editor,  he  must  possess  all  the  power  of  an  editor,  and  in  that 
case  you  could  never  work  under  him.  I hold  him  in  very  high 
esteem,  and  always  have,  hut  between  him  and  you  there  could 
never  be  any  harmony,  no  more  than  there  could  between  a 
nightingale  and  a falcon. 

]\Iy  impression  is  that  he  mistakes  his  ground.  He  prob- 
ably will  never  be  the  editor.  Keep  quiet  and  enjoy  existence. 
Kest,  spirit,  rest.  Do  nothing  with  gi’eat  assiduity,  and  all 
will  be  well.  The  country  needs  and  desires  you  both.  Amuse 
yourself  by  writing  long  letters  to  me. 

Affectionately  yours, 

James  Parton. 

Parton’s  advice  was  taken,  at  least  in  one  particular.  Xast 
did  nothing  but  enjoy  himself,  or  give  enjoyment  to  his  family. 
He  was  a rich  man  now,  with  horses  and  vehicles  of  many  kinds. 
The  children  had  ponies  to  ride,  and  there  was  always  spending 
money  in  a drawer,  into  Avhich  fifty  dollars  weekly  was  j)ut  for 
no  other  purpose.  The  big  house  and  grounds  of  the  Morris- 
town home  were  usually  filled  with  a crowd  of  merry  boys  and 
girls,  and  the  artist  was  a boy  among  them,  often  on  his  own 
saddle-horse  accompanying  them  through  the  Jersey  Hills. 

At  other  times  he  made  little  trips  and  paid  brief  visits  here 
and  there,  a privilege  he  had  been  obliged  to  forego  during  busier 
days.  The  preserved  correspondence  shows  that  one  such 
joumey  was  made  to  Philadelphia,  to  visit  George  AV.  Childs— 
always  one  of  Xast’s  most  loyal  admirers— and  that  many  other 
valued  friendships  were  renewed  or  kept  warm  during  this 
period  of  rest.  Certainly  he  need  not  be  in  haste  to  resume  his 
labors,  and  could  afford  to  wait  for  happier  conditions. 

^Meantime,  letters  continued  to  come,  some  of  them  with  offers 


A DEFEAT  AND  A TRIUMPH 


3G7 


of  positions — two  of  these  being  from  the  Daily  Graphic  and  Les- 
lie’s Weekly;  many  with  offers  of  elaborate  entertainment — 
buffalo  hunts,  camping  trips,  junketing  tours  and  the  like— while 
from  Major  Pond  came  frequent  and  iirgent  invitations  to  go  out 
once  more  and  haiwest  in  the  field  of  the  public  lecture. 

In  one  letter  Pond  offers  a guarantee  of  twenty  tliousand  dol- 
lars for  the  season.  In  another  he  promises  a thousand  dollars 
a week  and  all  expenses  paid,  this  arrangement  to  continue  for 
one  week,  or  as  many  as  the  artist  will  agree  upon. 

“ AVhy  can’t  you  send  us  just  one  word?  ” he  wrote,  in  a final 
appeal.  Just  the  word  “ yes  ” will  do.  Our  Lyceums  all  want 
you.  The  cry  is  “ Xast!  Xast!  ” and  we  can  give  them  no  Xast. 
Can’t  you  put  in  about  ten  weeks  and  take  ten  thousand  dollars 
for  it?  1 have  tried  to  get  to  see  you,  but  have  been  called  home 
both  times.  Hoping  you  are  well  and  in  good  spirits,  with 
kind  regards.  Yours  tnily,  J.  B.  Pond. 


Mark  Twain,  who  was 
planning  a personally  con- 
ducted tour  of  his  own, 
made  what  would  seem  to 
have  been  a still  more 
alluring  proposition. 

My  dear  Xast: 

1 did  not  think  I should 
ever  stand  on  a platform 
again  until  the  time  was 
come  for  me  to  say  “ I 
die  innocent.”  But  the 
same  old  offers  keep  ar- 
riving. I have  declined 
them  all,  just  as  usual, 
though  sorely  tempted,  as 
usual. 

Xow,  I do  not  decline 
because  I mind  talking  to 
an  audience,  but  because 
(1)  travelling  alone  is  so 
heart-breakingly  dreary. 


G.  W.  C. : “ No,  thank  you,  I must  keep  my  Ledger  J** 

(Personal  drawing  sent  to  George  W.  Childs.  Mr.  C?hilds  declining 
pol  itical  honors) 


3G8 


THOMAS  NAST 


and  (2)  shouldering  the  whole  show  is  such  a cheer-killing 
responsibility. 

Therefore,  I now  propose  to  you  what  you  proposed  to  me  in 
Xovember,  1867,  ten  years  ago  (when  I was  unknown),  viz.,  that 
you  stand  on  the  platfonn  and  make  joictures,  and  I stand  by  you 
and  blackguard  the  audience.  I should  enormously  enjoy 
meandering  around  (to  big  towns— don’t  want  to  go  to  the  little 
ones) — with  you  for  comi)any. 

My  idea  is  not  to  fatten  the  lecture  agents  and  lyceums  on 
the  spoils,  hut  put  all  the  ducats  religiously  into  two  equal  piles, 
and  say  to  the  artist  and  lecturer,  “ Absorl)  these.” 

For  instance— (here  follows  a plan  and  a possible  list  of  cities 
to  be  visited).  The  letter  continues: 

Call  the  gross  recei])ts  $100,000  for  four  months  and  a half, 
and  the  profit  from  $60,000  to  $75,000  (I  try  to  make  the  figures 
large  enough,  and  leave  it  to  the  public  to  reduce  them). 

I did  not  put  in  Philadelphia  because  P owns  that  towji, 

and  last  winter  when  I made  a little  reading-trip  he  only  paid 
me  $300  and  pretended  his  concert  (I  read  fifteen  minutes  in  the 
midst  of  a concert)  cost  him  a vast  sum,  and  so  he  couldn’t 
afford  any  more.  I could  get  up  a better  concert  with  a barrel 
of  cats. 

I have  imagined  two  or  three  pictures  and  concocted  the 
accompanying  remarks  to  see  how  the  thing  would  go.  I was 
charmed. 

Well,  you  think  it  over,  Xast,  and  drop  me  a line.  We  should 
have  some  fun.  Yours  truly, 

Samuel  L.  Clemens. 

Certainly  this  would  seem  to  have  been  a fascinating  plan. 
But  Xast  had  no  inclination  for  the  lecture  field  at  this  period, 
at  least  he  did  not  wish  to  close  an  engagement  to  travel,  unless 
the  Harper  ])roblem  remained  too  long  unsolved. 

The  solution  came  soon  after  the  Republican  State  Convention 
at  Rochester,  where  a specific  endorsement  of  President  Hayes 
was  urged  by  George  William  Curtis  and  opposed  by  Roscoe 
Conkling.  Conkling  had  not  forgotten  that  Curtis  had  fought 
him  in  the  Xational  Convention  of  the  year  before,  and  had 
been  biding  his  time  for  punishment.  He  went  into  the  fight 
with  all  the  energy  of  purpose  and  l)ittei*ness  of  spirit  of 
which  he  was  capable,  his  head  high  in  air,  his  nostrils  dilating, 


A DEFEAT  AM)  A TRIUMPH 


300 


liis  chest  thrown  out  in  splendid  and  proud  defiance  of  his 
adversary.  Yet  he  might  not  have  descended  to  personalities  if 
Curtis  in  his  opening  address  had  not  referred — looking  directly 
at  Conkling— to  those  “ blinded  by  the  flattery  of  parasites,  or 
their  own  ambition.” 

"Wlieu  Curtis  closed  and  Conkling  rose  to  reply,  the  Conven- 
tion forgot  the  issue  of  the  moment  in  listening  to  one  of  the 
most  deadly  personal  attacks  in  the  history  of  American  politics. 
No  man  was  better  suited  to  such  an  undertaking  than  Koscoe 
Conkling.  His  powerful  frame  seemed  to  thrill  with  delight  in 
the  thought  that  the  time  had  come  to  repair  ancient  injuries 
and  redress  recent  wrongs.  He  spoke  to  Curtis,  he  pointed  at  him, 
he  held  him  up  to  ridicule  as  a “ man-milliner,”  a “ dilettante,” 
a “ carpet-knight  of  politics.”  AVlien  he  referred  to  ]\Ir.  Curtis’s 
” unique  and  delicate  vote,”  he  leaned  forward  and  shouted  out 
his  sentence  with  a look  and  a gesture  that  carried  it  straight  to 
its  mark.  lie  would  even  bend  to  one  side  where  he  could  get 
a full  view  of  Curtis  and  hurl  his  words  at  him  with  the  help  of 
his  index  finger  as  straight  as  a boy  would  fling  a stone. 

But  the  sublime  touch  was  still  to  come.  He  referred  pres- 
ently to  Harper’s  AVeekly,  “ — that  journal,”  he  said,  “ made 
famous — ” 

He  paused  and  looked  straight  at  Curtis,  that  his  words  might 
sink  deeply,  and  then,  with  great  and  fierce  deliberation  added, 
” by  the  i)encil — of  Thomas  Nast!  ” 

” His  (Conkling’s)  friends  were  in  ecstacy,”  says  the  New 
York  Tribune,  “ and  even  some  of  Mr.  Curtis’s  friends  could  not 
refrain  from  enjoying  the  skilfulness  of  the  thrust.” 

The  amendment  which  had  been  offered  by  Curtis  was  lost, 
and  the  Convention  closed  with  triumidi  for  Conkling;  also, 
incidentally,  for  Nast.  Even  if  the  publishers  did  not  altogether 
approve  of  Senator  Conkling’s  statement,  its  effect  on  the  public 
mind  was  not  to  be  gainsaid.  In  a few  days  Nast  was  at  work 
24 


370 


THOMAS  XAST 


again, following  liis  own  ideas, and  the  “ Millennium,”  a comment 
on  the  President’s  policy,  which  had  tended  to  solidify  the  South 
without  pacifying  it  in  any  noticeable  degree,  showed  the  Land) 
and  the  Tiger  lying  down  together.  The  Land)  does  not  appear, 
but  around  the  neck  of  the  Tiger  is  a conspicuous  sign  which 
says,  “ For  Pepuhlican  Lamb  Tnquii'e  'Within.”  Tt  was  a car- 
toon which  would  have  made  an  unknown  man  famous.  There 
was  a general  round  of  aiiplause  from  the  press;  and  Nast’s  re- 
turn to  work  was  greeted  with  a universal  hurrah  and  many 
letters  from  his  admirers.  The  National  Pepuhlican  took  occa- 
sion to  recall  his  past  achievements. 

'We  had  fears  that  Harper’s  Weekly  had  degenerated  into 
a mere  picture  pa})er,  it  said,  an  every  Saturday  ladies’  maga- 
zine. . . . Harper’s  has  been  a great  power  in  the  past.  No 
man  ever  so  nearly  made  himself  a third  estate  in  this  countiw  as 
Thomas  Nast.  Every  line  he  drew  during  the  dark  days  of  war 
was  a line  of  battle.  He  was  the  Grant  of  the  easel.  His 
cartoons  aroused  lagging  zeal  into  fresh  enthusiasm.  The  secret 
of  his  vast  influence  was  his  thorough  honesty  and  his  eaniest 
])urpose.  No  man  except  Lincoln  ever  swayed  such  political 
))ower.  There  is  a fly  on  the  chariot  wheel.  It  is  called  Curtis. 
We  feared  that  the  fly  had  become  the  charioteer.  'We  are 
glad  to  see  that  we  were  mistaken.  Nast  is  at  work  again. 
Shoo!  Fly! 

It  was  trium])h  for  Nast,  though  none  realized  more  clearlj’ 
than  himself  that,  with  Fletcher  Harper  dead,  it  could  not  be 
enduring.  An  idea  for  a paper  of  his  own — a journal  which 
would  be  absolutely  free  of  clique  and  independent  of  clan— 
began  to  take  form,  and  as  the  years  passed  and  the  situation 
grew  always  more  difficult,  this  was  to  become  the  one  great 
ambition  of  his  life.  It  was  for  this,  and  for  this  only,  that 
as  years  })assed  he  strove  to  add  to  his  means  through  business 
investments  of  which  his  knowledge  was  as  nothing,  and  which 
l)i’oved  always  unprofitable  in  the  end. 

As  yet,  however,  he  was  in  the  height  of  his  prosperity  and 
in  the  heyday  of  his  fame.  He  closed  the  year  1877  with  a 


A DEFEAT  AND  A TRIUMPH 


3T1 


FOR 

£ PUBLICAN 
M B 
i Q u 11  R £ 
WITH  JN  — 

democratic 

tiger. 


uuniber  of  fine  cartoons,  of  which  the  Kepublican  Elephant 
trying  to  cross  the  broken  “ Ohio  Bridge  ” (the  President’s  own 
State  having  been  carried  by  the  Democrats  in  October),  and  the 
same  Elephant  suspended  over  a precipice,  hanging  by  the  tip  of 
his  trunk  to  a scrubby  bush,  unsafely  rooted  in  Republican  suc- 
cesses barely  gained,  appear  to  have  been  the  most  effective.  In 


SOLID 


^HANK 


PEA  St'S 


//  AVI 


THE  MILLENNIUM.  THE  TIGEU  .\ND  THE  L.\.MB  LIE  TOGETHEU 


372 


THOMAS  XAST 


“ Thanksgiving  on  the  Other  Side,”  the  powers  are  getting 
ready  for  the  Turkey  which  the  Russian  cook  is  still  pursuing, 
while  in  “ Exhumed  ” Xast  fired  the  final  shot  of  the  year  in  the 
cause  of  the  xVrmy  and  Navy,  “ who  bled  and  died  for  some- 
thing, but  it  is  of  no  consequence  now.” 

If  Haiq^er  Brothers  needed  any  additional  proof  of  the  honor 


To  the  Editor  of  the  Army  and  N^azy  journal : 

Sir: — The  Army  feel  that  Mr.  Thomas  Nast,  of  Harper's  IVeekty^ 
has,  by  his  vivid  caricatures,  in.  said  paper,  exhibited  to  the  country  how 
the  Army  has  been  and  is  being  treated,  and  by  such  action  on  his  part  he 
is  entitled  to  the  gratitude  of  both  officers  and  soldiers.  It  is  proposed  to 
express  our  thankfulness  and  appreciation  of  his  skillful  efforts  in  our  be- 
half, by  opening  a subscription  list,  open  to  all  the  Army  and  Navy,  and 
limited  to  twenty-five  cents  for  each  individual.-  The  money  so  subscribed 
to  be  sent  to  Col.  Church,  of  the  Array  and  A^ai  v ^ournal^  who  is  re- 
quested to  act  as  treasurer  of  same.  When  the  amount  is  sufficient  a suit- 
able testimonial  will  be  purchased  and  presented  to  Mr.  Thomas  Nast,  of 
Harper's  Weekly. 

Cavalky.” 


We  heartily  sympathize  with  the  purpose  of  this  subscription,  and 
shall  be  glad  to  forward  it  in  any  wav  we  can.  Mr.  Nast  has  done  yeo- 
man’s service  for  the  Army  by  his  caricatures  in  Harper's  Ifcck/y^  show- 
ing in  a popular  way  the  injustice  and  the  criminal  folly  of  those  who  have 
sought  to  destroy  our  military  establishment  by  depriving  it  of  the  pecu- 
niary support  to  which  it  is  entitled  by  law  as  well  as  in  justice.  We  will 
take  charge  of'  the  subscriptions  sent  to  us  with  pleasure,  and  would  sug- 
gest that  a consolidation  of  amounts  contributed  at  diflerent  posts  would 
greatly  hasten  and  simplify  the  collection  of  the  amount  required  to  provide 
a suitable  testimonial. — Ed.  Army  and  A^avy  fournal. 


In  order  the  above  may  be  a success  creditable  to  the  Army,  will 
you  please  forward  the  subscriptions  of  your  officers  and  men  as  soon  as 
possible  ? 

Ft.  Sanders,  W.  T.,  Dec.  1877. 


and  affection  with 
which  Nast  was  re- 
garded by  a very 
important  element 
of  the  nation  at 
this  time,  it  came 
now  at  the  end  of 
December,  in  the 
fonn  of  a letter  and 
enclosure  from  Col. 
Guy  V.  Henry,  one 
of  the  “ bravest  of 
the  brave,”  then  at 
Fort  Sanders,  try- 
ing to  get  well  of 
injuries  received 
in  the  campaign 
against  Crazy 
Horse,  under  Gen- 
eral Crook.  The 
letter  ran : 


THE  CIRCULAR  SENT  TO  THE  ARMY  AND  NAVY  BY  COL. 
HENRY 


Editor  Harper’s  AVeekly,  New  York  City. 


Ft.  Sanders,  AY.  T., 
Dec..  28,  1877. 


Sir:  I enclose  a circular  which  was  started  at  this  post  by 
myself  and  assisted  by  the  officers  of  the  same.  The  Army 
as  a mass  feels  most  gratefully  toward  Mr.  Nast  for  his  efforts 


\^h  &m.  HI 

r^?l  1/ 

f V mi  ^ 

^ ijr  ■•&?■_ 



c> 


Thankp"ivinp  on  the  otluT  side— No.  1 Thanksgivinj;  on  tlie  other  side— No. 

THE  POWEItS  W.\ITI.\G  TO  DIVIDE  THE  TI’UKEY  WHICH  RU.SSI.V  IS  STILL  I’lIltSUING 


374 


THOMAS  NASr 


in  our  behalf,  and  a failure  of  this  scheme  can  only  arise  from 
thoughtless  inattention  to  the  matter. 

Yours  respectfully, 

(luy  V.  Henry,  Bvt-Col.  U.  S. 


The  circular  enclosed  was  entitled  “ A Testimonial  to  Thomas 
Xast,”  and  was  a notice  to  the  Anny  and  Navy  that  a subscrip- 
tion list  had  been  opened  for  the  purpose  of  raising  money  to 
])urchase  a “ suitable  testimonial,”  which  should  express  the 
gratitude  of  soldiers 
and  sailors  toward 
the  man  who  had 
been  battling  so  long 
for  their  welfare. 

The  amount  of  each 
subscription  was 
limited  to  twenty- 
five  cents,  so  that 
none  might  feel  that 
he  could  not  afford 
to  share  in  the  un- 
dertaking. “ These 
circulars,”  said  Col- 
onel Henry,  in  a 
note  of  comment, 

“ have  been  sent  to 
every  post  in  the 

army.”  saved  (?) 


* Scribner’s  Magazine  for  October,  1903,  contains  a graphic  sketch  by  Cyrus 
Townsend  Brady  of  Lliis  fearless  and  splendid  soldier,  whose  almost  incredible  deeds 
of  warfare  gave  liim  the  name  of  “ Fighting  Guy.”  lie  died  in  Porto  Rico,  literallj- 
in  the  harness.  Brady  in  his  article  says: 

“ He  was  the  knightliest  soldier  I have  ever  met,  and  T have  met  many.  lie  was 
one  of  the  humblest  Christians  I have  ever  known,  and  I have  known  not  a few. 
. . . So,  his  memory  enshrined  in  the  hearts  that  loved  him,  his  heroic  deeds 

the  inspiration  of  his  fellow-soldiers,  passed  to  his  brighter  home,  Guy  V.  Henry 
— a Captain  of  the  Strong!  ” 


ClIAPTEU  XLII 


THE  EIKST  BATTLE  EOK  GOLD 


NEWS^o.-RUSSlA.iiil 

IW.itO.i-Tr  1 
WOBILIZATjON  ‘ 

Of  60.000  FHi 
TROOPS 


WHO  IS  CMthO 

UP  Wi'f  TURKCV> 


wAXiNo  up-ie7e 
J.  Bcu.  ~tl’bo  lud  I to  be  ukts  by  (be  Umu** 


AVith  the  begiimhig  of  1878  the 
Tiirko-ltussian  AVar  was  still  in 
progress,  and  in  January  vre  find 
John  Bull  suddenly  waking  up 
aiid  asking,  “ Who  is  eating  up 
Aly  Turkey?  ” This  was  followed 
hy  a grewsoine  double  skull, 
labelled  “ The  Temple  of  Janus,” 
and  entitled  the  “ Jaws  of 
Death,”  into  which  the  opposing 
armies  are  steadily  marching. 

j.  ~noo  ion  I w w V/ 

Criticism  of  the  President’s  Southern  policy  was  allowed 
to  continue  in  the  pictorial  pages  of  the  AVeekly,  and  even  the 
editorial  columns  l)egan  to  waver  in  their  allegiance  to  the  Hayes 

idea. 

“ Unfortunately,”  savs  Curtis  (Jan.  12),  ” the  course  ot  the 
administration  has  been  hesitating,  and 

the  pavtv  opposition  is  organize),  bold,  defiant,  while  the  to 
of  the  hostile  Kepublican  leaders  is  contemptuous. 

The  fact  that  the  fall  elections  of  1877  had  been  danger 
signals,  doubtless  had  something  to  do  with  Mr.  Curtis’s  gradual 
leaning  toward  the  attitude  which  Hast  had  assumed  in  the 

beginning. 


376 


THOMAS  XAST 


But  whatever  may  liave  been  their  differences  and  debates 
conceniing  the  President’s  pacification  policy,  editor  and  artist 
were  as  one  in  their  financial  views.  The  restoration  of  silver 
coinage  had  become  the  most  important  public  issue,  and  both 
Curtis  and  Xast,  in  common  with  President  Hayes,  were  uncom- 
promisingly for  gold. 

There  had  been  no  stir  when  the  silver  dollar  had  vanished. 
Indeed,  nobody  seemed  to  know  that  it  was  officially  gone  until 
with  a sudden  influx  of  the  metal,  as  a result  of  the  discovery  of 
new  and  almost  fabulous  lodes,  the  nation  awoke  to  the  fact  that 
there  was  no  longer  any  provision  for  its  coinage.  Xobody  seems 
to  have  noticed  a piece  of  legislation  that  in  February,  1873,  had 
made  the  silver  dollar  no  longer  a legal  issue,  with  a debt-paying 
power  like  that  of  gold.  The  scarcity  of  silver  at  that  time  had 
made  the  intrinsic  value  of  the  coin  greater  than  its  face  denomi- 
nation, with  the  result  that  silver  money  had  been  melted  up  or 
laid  away.  Not  foreseeing  the  abundant  supply  of  this  precious 
white  metal  which  the  future  would  produce,  a measure  was 
passed  discontinuing  its  coinage.  The  act  was  regarded  at 
the  time  as  being  of  slight  moment.  Yet  in  the  years  to  come, 
this  seemingly  unimpoi-tant  detail  in  a day’s  legislative  work 
was  to  become  exalted  into  an  event  of  gigantic  political  propor- 
tions, for  it  was  this  unnoticed  and  quickly  forgotten  act,  or  the 
effort  to  obliterate  it,  that  was  to  put  the  most  important  plank 
into  more  than  one  Presidential  Platform;  that  was  to  become 
almost  the  single  issue  of  more  than  one  national  campaign;  that 
was  to  result  in  the  formation  of  a new  national  party,  with  a 
war-cry  “ 16  to  1,”  and  with  a fierce  demand  that  the  American 
people  should  rise  up  and  repeal  the  “ Crime  of  Seventy-three!  ” 
It  seems  curious  now  that  any  piece  of  legislation  providing  for 
such  enormous  possibilities  should  have  gone  unheeded  at  the 
time  of  its  enactment.  Yet  so  it  did,  and  not  even  the  slightest 
mention  of  it  was  made,  either  editorially  or  pictorlally,  in  the 


THE  FIRST  BATTLE  FOR  GOLD 


377 


]3ages  of  Harper’s  Weekly,  nor,  so  far  as  the  writer  has  been 
able  to  discover,  in  any  of  the  important  journals  of  that  day. 

It  was  when  the  great  Comstock  Lode  had  begun  to  pour  its 
shining  ]u-ecious  stream  into  the  marts  of  men,  that  the  ]u-ice  of 
silver  again  went  down  and  the  “ Crime  ” began  to  be  suspected. 
It  was  then  that  mine  owners  discovered  that  one  of  the  most 


INTO  THE  JAWS  OF  DEATH 


378 


THOMAS  XAST 


important  uses  of  their  metal  was  gone.  Men  like  General 
Butler,  whose  desire  to  increase  the  circulating  finance  of  the 
country  had  carried  them  to  any  length  of  proposed  fiat  legisla- 
tion, promptly  rallied  to  the  support  of  silver,  which  at  least  had 
a basis  of  substantial  value.  Nor  were  the  inflationists  the  only 
champions  of  the  white  metal.  Many  of  the  foremost  legislators 
in  both  Houses  favored  a retuni  to  the  traditional  “ double 
standard  of  the  Constitution,”  denouncing  gold  as  the  “ money 
of  monarchs,  the  prerogative  of  tyrants  and  of  kings.” 

During  1877  the  financial  question  had  been  freely  discussed  in 
Congress,  and  various  measures  had  been  suggested  with  a view 
to  restoring  silver  to  its  old  place  of  honor.  But  in  his  annual 
Message  in  December  the  President  had  recommended  that  it 
be  used  only  on  a basis  of  its  intrinsic  value,  at  that  time 
about  ten  })er  cent,  less  than  the  face  value  of  the  coin.  Secretary 
Sherman,  of  Ohio,  concorded  with  this  opinion.  It  remained 
for  Stanley  Matthews,  a newly  elected  senator  from  the  same 
state,  to  secure  the  passage  of  a resolution  providing  for  the  pay- 
ment of  all  public  debts,  including  bonds,  in  silver  dollars  of 
412^  grains  each.  Eichard  P.  Bland,  of  ^Missouri,  had  already 
secured  in  the  House  the  passage  of  a bill  ])roviding  for  a retuni 
to  free  coinage,  but  this  measure  was  for  the  time  superseded 
by  the  Matthews  resolution. 

During  the  Presidential  controversy,  early  in  1877,  at  the 
“ Compromise  Dinner  ” ]\Iatthews  and  Xast  had  met.  The  Ohio 
man  had  regarded  the  artist  with  a good  deal  of  curiosity,  and 
finally  said: 

” I don’t  su})pose  you  could  caricature  a man  with  regular 
features  like  mine.” 

Xast  regarded  the  rather  good-humored  countenance,  with 
its  projecting  moustache  that  shut  down  on  the  round  beard 
below  like  a box  cover.  Then  he  laughed. 

” Don’t  give  me  too  good  a chance  to  try,”  he  said. 


THE  FIRST  BATTLE  FOR  GOLD  3..> 

'p]j0  clifiiic©  liticl  now  coniG.  In  n.  CtiricnturG  of  ^Mnttliows  ns 
a pawnl)roker,  retuniing  a silver  watch  for  a gold  one,  there 
was  a suggestion  of  what  might  he  done  with  that  mustache 
and  heard.  r>ut  when  on  the  28th  of  January,  1878,  :\Iatthews’s 
Resolution  was  adopted  both  in  the  Senate  and  the  House,  l)v 
large  majorities,  the  bearded  mouth  of  !Matthevs  became  all  at 


UNITED  STATES  SENATE. 


Tvi  ijoeatioB  bring  on  th«  of  th#  raohatioo  ta 

0iil«4  bjr  Ur  oo  tb«  <tb  of  Drcrobrr  Uat.  it 

tgnr^to  follows  (Rrpublibtni  in  Roibm, 

Deoocrus  is  iWus,  IsdeprsdrnU  1 sssu.  csmsu} . 


•nO  l«a  »m  AbO  tbs  osom  of  «Mcawn.  Irouof. 

furdASOs  of  estate  not  cmair*,  bat  as4  9 
eo«;  fO«  olU  flad  tba  aa»«  of  otdowB  wbo>.j 
>]«o4«  prrsM  no  haxard  of  teeotaa.  Yen 

win  tSMlii  tod  lore*  aa*o«oto  *■  aay  «m  o«a«,  aM 
•UJl  nor*  nrd;.  U M aU.  la  Uw  san*  of  rsapiui. 
tola'  TtMW  ar*  facia  (bai  no  rbriortc  will  trfai  . 
Id  eoeriutoa.  be  arsMd  that  co'^nneDl  bee--* 
arm  b«M  by  wrlaca  laatJiaUoM  of  lf*e  roaaUr. 
iboa*  opodal  depoMtorm  of  lb«  proaMni  poor 
Ufotnevraaca  compaaUa— wbKb  w*rt  aotoss  H'« 


Oorarir, 

toMCM, 

Ferry. 

Orawr, 

Bowe. 

^•antOna. 

ymeiFla.), 

jneeaiMe*. 

Klrhweed, 


ArmMr^nf, 

SaUrp, 

fwa. 

br>><*.' 

Canero*  (P*.). 
CaaierM  (W|aV 

caa**. 

CWe. 


bmrdi.ot  poor  propta'* 

Seaatet  Lt***  aald:  "I  do  net  baflen 
**rb  dMiacitoo  eaMa  la  IM*  ceaalry  a*  a 
italMU  os  OM  aid*  aDd  all  tbe  prodeelsc 
Ibt  oibrr.  U t*  Inponible  that  «i  aboald 
eoaairy  of  IsaUialioa*  Ui*  Utea*.  Sir.  p 
wo  abiftlDC.  fonao**  ar«  too  naiabto.  U 

society  Bpoo  any  *«cb  bade.  Menwboai 

oaa  day.  la  a few  year*  by  ladoairy  aad  < 
coat*  captlalMi^  wbli*  tbaw  oho  wer* 
becoiae,  la  tb*  aaiatiob*  of  tortaa*  aat 
of  trade,  aotonf  tb*  claw  of  laborer* : ae 


• idleicb. 

I ludcoa— to 


Tb«  reaolwlioo  aa  paa**t)  read*  a*  foUowt 
ff^frrti*.  By  tb*  Senate,  tbe  Uog«o  of  Rrpreamtalirea  eon* 
curriog  therein,  that  all  the  bond*  of  the  U&<lod  Sutca  latued, 
or  aothorued  to  b«  Maord,  aoder  »ai4  ad*  of  CobgroM  berria- 
befor*  rcc-ilrd.  are  payable,  principal  aad  iaurtot,  at  (he  cation 
of  the  government  of  th*  I'niled  Stalea,lit  ailvcr  dollar*  of  tbo 
cowage  of  the  United  Sutc*.  cooUimoR  ;roaa*  mtA 
-■ — » — * ofrir.  and  that  to  reatoee  to  its  eotoage  aueh  *ilm 
coma  aa  • legal  lender  in  payment  of  laid  bunda,  piincipal  and 
inienat,  is  not  m twlaiion  of  pnbhd  faiib  Bor  Is  dcrogaliOB  of 
tbe  rights  of  tho  public  creditor.'* 


’ agalaat  lb*  (aborlet  <>•••••  of  tb*  cooatey  tb*> 
• sot  sure  of  atrlktac  a t«rr(Se  blow  at  tba  laix- 


h«  iabottr*  of  tbW  eeualry; 
iCftinel  tba  capital  tlai*  of 
III  Bot  be  ibronlec  obMaclr*  I 


THE  FIRST  STEP  TOWARD  XATIONAL  BAXKRUPTCY 
(Uncle  Sam  puts  his  foot  into  Ihc  Stanley  Matthews  silver  trap) 


380 


THOMAS  NAST 


once  the  jaws  of  a steel-trap,  fastened  to  the  leg  of  Uncle  Sam. 
The  trap  was  labelled  “ St.  Matthews’  liesolution  ” and  the  pic- 
ture entitled,  “ The  First  Step  Toward  National  Bankruptcy.” 

It  was  a remarkable  cartoon,  showing  as  it  did  the  artist’s 
ability  to  give  human  character  to  an  inanimate  thing,  and  this, 
too,  without  gross  caricature.  It  also  exemplified  the  fact  that 
for  those  who  have  eyes  to  see  there  is  a psychological  relation 
between  the  character  of  any  human  face  and  the  peculiar  deeds 
of  its  owner.  Matthews’s  face  distinctly  suggested  a trap.  His 
Resolution  was  a ]X)litical  trap,  skilfully  set  and  sprung.  A 
proposition  by  Conkling  to  make  the  Resolution  “ joint  ” instead 
of  ‘ ‘ concurrent,  ’ ’ in  order  that  it  should  require  the  President ’s 
signature,  did  not  meet  with  success.  The  wily  Matthews  had 
constructed  his  trap  with  such  care  as  to  avoid  this  necessity. 
The  play  upon  the  Ohio  Senator’s  name,  by  which  it  was  made  to 
conform  to  the  cartoon  idea,  was  one  of  those  added  touches 
which  proved  Nast  great  among  his  kind.  The  much  abused 
pun,  so  frequently  the  cheap  resort  of  a shallow  wit,  was  a 
favorite  adjunct  with  Nast,  and  in  his  hands  was  likely  to  become 
a stroke  of  genius.  The  trap  of  St.  Matthews,  which  so  resolutely 
closed  on  the  leg  of  Uncle  Sam,  is  an  excellent  example  of 
the  less  violent  caricature  of  Nast.  The  features  disappeared 
presently,  but  the  trap,  a trap  pure  and  simple,  remained,  and 
the  memory  of  its  first  ai)pearance  remained  so  clearly  estab- 
lished that,  to  those  who  had  seen  it,  the  trap  was  still  Matthews 
and  Matthews  was  always  the  trap.  Clearly  it  is  not  good  policy 
to  challenge  the  possil)ilities  of  caricature. 

Matthews  was  not  alone  in  his  distinction.  Ilemy  AYatter- 
son,  who  had  declared  that  universal  suffrage  could  “ decree 
soft  soap  to  be  money,”  if  it  chose  to  do  so,  and  Alurat  Halstead, 
who  had  announced  that  what  the  American  people  wanted  was 
a dollar  so  big  that  the  eagle  on  it  could,  with  his  right  wing, 
fan  AVashington  City,  and  with  his  left,  waft  the  dust  along  the 


rilE  FIRST  BATTLE  FOR  GOLD 


381 


THAT  DOI.LAU 

A<il*ARll's— “ Now  don’t  you  think  Soft  Soap  would  not  have  been  quite  so  heavy,  after  all ! ” 
(Col.  Wattcrson  cools  the  brow  of  Murat  Halstead) 


streets  of  San  Francisco,  while  his  tail  was  spread  out  over 
Hudson  Bay — his  beak  dredging  the  jetties  at  the  Gnlf — came 
in  for  a full  share  of  pleasant  satire.  On  March  9th,  we  find 
Halstead  crushed  under  his  big  dollar,  while  his  friend  Watter- 
son— the  tables  reversed,  this  time— is  bathing  the  Commercial 
man’s  head  with  ice-water,  and  asking  him  if  he  doesn’t  think, 
after  all,  that  a soft  soap  dollar  would  be  better. 

The  disposition  toward  silver  legislation  was  veiy  general. 
The  Eepublicans  who  opposed  it  were  not  over  zealous.  In  fact, 
such  Democrats  as  fought  the  Bland  bill,  which  now  came  up  for 
further  consideration,  were  far  more  vigorous  in  their  attempts 
to  defeat  what  was  to  them,  in  a sense,  a party  measure  than 
most  of  those  who  opiiosed  it  on  the  other  side  of  the  House. 
Lucius  Quintus  Cincinuatus  Lamar,  of  Mississippi,  the  noblest 
Boman  of  them  all,  battled  with  all  his  heart  and  soul  against  the 
silver  measure,  and  this  in  the  face  of  the  fact  that  his  action 


382 


THOMAS  NAST 


was  repudiated  by  his  State,  whose  legislature  forwarded  reso- 
lutions demanding  that  he  change  his  views  or  resign  his  seat. 
In  refusing  to  obey  he  said: 

I cannot  vote  as  these  resolutions  direct.  I cannot  and 
will  not  shrink  from  the  responsil)ility  which  my  position  im- 
poses. My  duty  as  I see  it 
I will  do,  and  I will  vote 


against  this  bill.’ 


REPueLiCM-i 


Xast’s  efforts  on  the  sil- 
ver question  did  not  go  un- 
recognized. Many  letters 
came  to  him,  both  of  praise 
and  condemnation.  Colonel 
Eobert  G.  Ingersoll  sent  an 
appreciative  letter  (Febru- 
ary 4,  1878),  in  which  he 
said: 


THE  MANDARIN  IN  THE  SENATE  j Jiavelongwislied  to  iiiake 

(Senator  David  Davis)  i i n 

your  acquaintance,  and  shall 
avail  myself  of  the  first  oiiportunity.  I want  to  know  the  man 
who  writes  such  wonderful  essays  and  speeches  without  words. 

But  letters  of  another  sort  were  more  plentiful,  for  the  silver 
sentiment  was  strong  throughout  the  land.  Papers  condemned 
him  as  a fool  or  a knave.  The  Graphic  having  failed  to  secure 
his  services,  now  cartooned  him  on  the  front  page  of  nearly  every 
issue.  Its  favorite  plan  was  to  reproduce  by  a new  process- 
engraving  certain  of  his  fonner  cartoons,  done  in  the  old  “ In- 
flation ” days— at  a time  when  silver,  like  gold,  had  been  worth 
intrinsically  its  face  value— and  to  present  Uncle  Sam  as  pointing 
them  out  to  him  and  taunting  him  with  his  jiresent  sinfulness  in 
rejecting  the  metal  he  had  once  deemed  so  worthy. 


* In  spite  of  Senator  Lamar’s  disregard  of  his  constituency  he  was  reelected  to 
the  Senate  in  1882  by  a much  larger  majority  than  be  had  received  six  j’ears  before. 
In  1885  he  was  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  in  1887  an  Associate  Jus- 
tice of  the  Supreme  Bench.  He  died  in  1893. 


THE  FIRST  BATTLE  FOR  GOLD 


383 


As  a matter  of  fact  Xast  did  not  know  that  silver  had  been 
demonetized  when  he  drew  those  first  “ specie  ” cartoons.  It 
has  been  said  that  Grant  himself  did  not  know  it,  and  that  those 
who  did  were  very  few  indeed.  In  one  issue,  the  Graphic  por- 
trayed Uncle  Sam  as  spanking  Xast  for  his  persistent  wicked- 
ness. AVlien  the  bill  was  finally  passed,  and  vetoed  by  the 
President,  and  was  passed  again  over  his  head,  the  Graphic 
rejoiced  in  its  victory  over  the  “ pencil  of  Xast,”  and  empha- 
sized it  with  a (piotation  from  the  Chicago  Tribune,  which  said: 

The  Graphic  had  the  wisdom  and  sagacity  to  espouse  the 
remonetizing  of  the  old  national  money.  When  the  caricatur- 
ing pencil  of  Xast  was  purchased  to  traduce  the  advocates  of 
silver,  the  Graphic  portrayed  Mr.  Tom  Xast  in  cartoons  that 
made  him  wince  and  his  employers  squirm. 

The  passage  of  the  silver  bill  was  in  truth  a humiliation.  The 
cartoonist  cared 
nothing  for  the 
Graphic’s  carica- 
tures, or  the  fact 
that  a hundred 
other  papers  de- 
nounced him  and 
rode  him  down.  He 
grieved  only  in  the 
reflection  that  he 
had  fought  what 
seemed  a great 
wrong  and  had 
failed.  Ills  first 
comment  on  the 
matter  was  a pic- 
ture of  the  dis- 


carded and  half-for- 
gotten Rag-baby, 


GIVING  U.  S.  HAIL  COLUMBIA 
(Columbia  abusing:  Uncle  Sam  for  his  doubtful  flnancial  policy,  resulting:  from 
the  Bland  silver  bill) 


384 


THOMAS  NAST 


who  having  swallowed  the  silver  dollar  seemed  to  be  reviving. 
In  the  same  issue  he  relieved  his  spirit  in  a good  cause  with  a 
full-})age  plea  for  the  skeleton  Army  and  Xavy,  against  which 
new  bills  of  reduction  and  retrenchment  had  been  devised. 

Uncle  Sam,  the  trap  still  on  his  leg,  now  became  a sort  of  a 
dissolute  person  who  was  inclined  to  disregard  his  obligations. 
The  Fisheries  Award  of  $5,500,000,  allowed  to  England  in  settle- 
ment of  a dispute  which  had  been  going  on  for  the  better  part 
of  a century,  our  National  Uncle  seemed  willing  to  repudiate,  or 
at  most  to  settle  in  depreciated  coin.  AVe  find  him  whittling  a 
good  deal  at  this  stage,  and  sitting  about  the  house  and  being 
abused  by  Columbia  for  his  shiftlessness. 

But  in  sections  of  the  country  large  masses  of  the  joeople  re- 
joiced greatly,  and  from  the  tone  of  the  “ silver  ” press  it  would 
seem  that  the  time  of  the  millennium  drew  near.  Naturally 
President  Ilayes  fell  more  and  more  into  disfavor.  The  few  who 
approved  his  financial  i)olicy  were  likely  to  condemn  his  attitude 
toward  the  South,  while  the  South,  whose  friendship  he  had 
hoped  to  win,  regarded  him  as  a usurper  and  rejected  him 
accordingly.  Yet  it  is  probable  that  no  man  has  ever  tried  more 
faithfully  to  be  a good  President  than  did  Putherford  B.  Hayes. 


DARCC  TO  TOOA  DAODT. 

TIm  Dor  bM  8*kUo«(C  ib<  Sdnr  OolUr  (411)  lintM)  b 


HARD  TO  PLEASE  THE  “ WHITE  TRASH  ” 
U.  S.— **  I hate  the  * ni|?$rer  ’ because  he  i»  a citizen,  and 
I hate  the  ^yellow  dog  ’ because  he  will  uot  become  one.’* 


AMERICA  ALWAYS  PUTS  HER  OAR  IN 
(Columbia  wins  at  Henley) 


C'HAPTER  XLIII 

A DULL  SPRING  AND  TRIP  ABROAD 

At  frequent  intervals  Major  Pond  renewed  his  endeavors  to 
induce  Nast  to  return  to  the  lecture  platform.  Hathaway  and 
Pond  was  the  style  of  the  lecture  finn  at  this  time,  successors  to 
the  Eedpath  Lyceum  Bureau.  A single  letter  will  convey  an 
idea  of  the  temptations  in  this  direction  with  which  the  artist 
was  still  beset: 

Boston,  June  6,  1878. 

My  Dear  IMr.  Nast: 

Beecher  said  the  other  day,  “ Nast  is  a statesman.”  We 
want  just  such  a statesman  as  you  to  lecture  next  season.  Can’t 
you  be  prevailed  upon  to  give  us  a month— a week— a day?  We 
will  give  you  $800  a night  for  four  or  six  weeks,  and  if  you  can 
give  us  the  season  we  will  make  it  as  much  of  an  object  as  pos- 
sible. AVe  will  do  everything  that  can  be  done  to  make  your 
travels  easy,  and  we  will  make  no  more  nights  a week  than  you 
can  comfortably  fill.  I will  go  with  you  and  take  all  the  care  of 
you  that  can  be  taken,  will  make  your  yoke  easy  and  your  burden 
light  for  you;  and  heavy  for  me  as  you  like.  Please  reply  yes. 

Kind  regards  to  IVIrs.  Nast  and  the  little  folks. 

Faithfully  yours, 

J.  B.  Pond. 

It  would  seem  hard  to  have  resisted  such  offers  as  these. 


386 


THOMAS  NAST 


DEATH  IN  THE  TUNNEL 
(The  features  of  the  skull  formed  by  the  wreckage) 


OUK  ARMY  AND  NAVY — AS  IT  WILL  BE 


especially  as  the  cartoonist  could  have  continued  his  work  in  the 
Weekly,  the  publisliers  being  more  than  willing  that  he  should  be 
thus  brought  in  personal  contact  with  their  public. 

Yet  he  did  not  go.  Money  matters  were  easy  with  him,  and  the 
long  travel  and  broken  sleep  were  not  to  his  taste.  ]\Iore  than  all, 
he  was  unhappy  away  from  his  home  and  family,  in  which  he 
found  ever  his  greatest  comfort. 

The  anti-Chinese  prejudice  feeling  began  to  manifest  itself 
again  during  the  early  part  of  1878.  Uncle  Sam  still  wearing  the 
trap,  as  well  as  an  expression  of  general  disgust  at  his  own 
decline,  is  made  to  say,  ‘‘  I hate  the  nigger  because  he  is  a citi- 
zen, and  I hate  the  yellow  dog  because  he  will  not  become  one,” 
Nast  never  had  the  slightest  synii)athy  with  any  sort  of  organi- 
zation or  movement  that  did  not  mean  the  complete  and  absolute 
right  of  property  ownership,  as  well  as  the  pennission  to  labor, 
accorded  to  every  human  being  of  whatsoever  color  or  race.  His 
first  real  antagonism  to  James  G.  Blaine  began  with  the  latter’s 
advocacy  of  Chinese  Exclusion. 

Cartoons  on  Communism  and  on  certain  evil  I'esults  of  the 
silver  legislation  continued  through  a quiet  spring,  with  here  and 
there  a comment  on  European  affairs,  a stroke  for  the  Army, 


A DULL  SPRING  AND  TRIP  ABROAD 


or  a slap  at  the  Income  Tax,  a measure  which  Nast  bitterly 
opi)osed. 

The  victory  of  America  over  Great  Britain,  achieved  by 
the  Columbia  College  crew  in  the  regatta  at  Henley,  July  4 
and  5,  was  duly  recorded  in  three  cartoons,  published  July  27. 
It  had  been  a great  inteniational  event,  and  Columbia’s  triumph 
occurring  so  opportunely,  added  vast  joy  to  the  celebrations  of 
American  independence, 

Turkey  as  a bone  of  contention,  with  Bismarck  holding  a 
lean  hound  in  the  leash,  and  the  same  soldier-statesman  presid- 
ing at  the  International  Table  and  obseiwing,  to  a line  of  empty 
plates,  “ Gentlemen,  there  is,  really  no  more  Turkey,”  completed 
the  European  war  pictures,  and  Nast’s  summer’s  work.  Already 
with  his  family  he  had  sailed  for  Europe  when  these  appeared, 
and  for  three 
months  gave  little 
thought  to  the  mis- 
chief of  politics  or 
the  making  of  pic- 
tures. 

It  was  the  year 
of  the  Paris  Ex- 
])osition,  where  the 
Xasts  added  a 
number  of  art  ob- 
jects to  their  Cen- 
tennial purchases. 

AVhile  there  Nast 
received  through 
his  old  friend  John 
Bussell  Young, 
then  in  Paris,  a 

, n , ,1  IT  IS  EVER  THITS  WITH  ARRITRATORS 

lefjUeSt  1 1 Oni  tlie  “Turki'v,  Turkey,  everywhere,  ami  not  a Wt  for  us.” 


388 


THOMAS  NAST 


American  Minister,  Mr.  Noyes,  that  he  (Mr.  Noyes)  be  allowed 
to  give  the  artist  a dinner  at  the  Legation.  In  closing  his  note 
Young  says: 

Halstead  sends  you  all  kinds  of  pleasant  messages.  Fen- 
ton says  you  used  to  make  wonderful  drawings  of  his  nose  and 
shirt  collar. 

Halstead  and  Fenton  were  both  in  Paris  at  the  time,  the  latter 
as  chainnan  of  the  Inteniational  IMonetaiy  Conference.  The 
l)leasantries  of  the  Greeley  campaign  had  lost  their  sting,  and 
the  happiness  of  the  Legation  dinner  was  unmarred. 

During  this  trip  abroad,  the  Nast  family  jounieyed  through 
Scotland,  Ireland  and  England,  to  the  chief  points  of  interest, 
including  Stratford  and  old  Chester,  and  down  into  Coniwall  for 
a stay  at  the  home  of  Colonel  Peard.  At  Chester  they  added  a 
number  of  valuable  old  relics  to  their  collection  of  antiques. 

"While  in  London 
they  visited  Ban- 
bury, of  “ Banbury 
Cross  ” fame,  where 
dwelt  Thomas  But- 
ler Gunn,  of  the  old 
merry  crowd  which 
twenty  years  before 
had  gathered  at  the 
“ Theatre  des  Ed- 
wards.” It  was  a 
needed  vacation, and 
the  publishers  in 
America  were  care- 
ful to  see  that  the 
facts  of  the  cartoon- 
ist ’s  absence  were 
duly  made  known  to 

Bismarck’s  “ after-dinner  ” speech  . * ... 

“ Gentlemen,  there  is  really  no  more  Turkey.”  1110  pU  D1 1C. 


CHAPTER  XLIV 


THE  THIIWNE’s  cipher  DISCLOSURES 


During  Nast’s  absence  in 
1878  a Congi-essional  commit- 
tee bad  begun  investigations  in 
Louisiana,  with  a view  of  set- 
tling the  many  charges  of  elec- 
toral fraud,  preferred  by  Man- 
ton  Marble  and  other  friends 
and  advisers  of  Mr.  Tilden. 
Ever  since  the  presidential  de- 
cision of  187G  a number  of  men 
and  papers  had  kept  up  an  un- 
ceasing cr}^  of  “ Fraud  ” and 
“ Corruption  ” as  against  the  Republican  Managers,  with  an 
equally  persistent  claim  of  “ Morality  ” on  the  part  of  Mr.  Til- 
den’s  cause.  Never  for  a moment  had  the  dissatisfaction  been 
allowed  to  become  quiescent.  On  his  return  from  abroad, 
October,  1877,  i\Ir.  Tilden  had  been  serenaded,  and  from  the  front 
stoop  of  his  Gramercy  Park  residence  had  made  an  address  to 
the  Young  Democrats  on  his  favorite  doctrine.  Reform,  strenu- 
ously denouncing  tlie  methods  by  which  the  accession  of  Presi- 
dent Hayes  had  been  obtained.  His  words  were  widely  repeated 
and  kept  the  fires  of  indignation  bright. 


LIGHT  SUMMER  READING 


390 


THOMAS  NAST 


Mr.  Marble  became  especially  unsparing  in  liis  accusations 
and  rhetoric,  until  at  last,  considerably  more  than  a year  after 
the  electoral  decision,  a resolution  had  been  otfered  by  Clarkson 
N.  Potter  to  make  still  further  inquiries  into  the  alleged  fraud- 
ulent retunis  from  the  three  disputed  States.  It  proved  to  be 
one  of  the  most  disastrous  political  boomerangs  ever  launched. 

]\Ir.  Tilden  had  the  sympathy 
of  his  entire  party  at  tliis  period, 
and  of  many  who  had  opposed 
him  in  1876.  He  was  the  one 
Democratic  candidate  for  1880, 
and  would  almost  certainly  have 
been  chosen  had  the  Louisiana 
matter  been  left  undisturbed. 

The  organization  of  the  Potter 
Committee  had  occurred  before 
Xast  sailed  for  Europe,  and  had 
A NEAT  DESIGN  l)een  recovded  by  him  in  two  car- 

A Bit  of  Work  ju«t  from  the  Potter  « I 

‘ jar  ’ from  the  Potter,”  which  was  to  “ tuni  the  'White  House 
upside  down  the  other,  a caricature  of  Henrj'  Watterson, 
sharioening  his  pen  in  readiness  for  the  results.  Nast  then  sailed 
away,  little  dreaming  what  those  results  would  be.  Certainly 
he  expected  nothing  of  very  great  importance. 

AVhat  the  friends  of  Mr.  Tilden  expected  it  would  be  difficult 
to  say.  As  the  weeks  passed,  Mr.  INlarble  became  particularly 
bitter  in  his  denunciations  of  the  methods  used  to  seat  Hayes 
and  Wheeler,  and  still  more  persistent  in  his  assertion  that  Mr, 
Tilden  and  his  friends  had  relied  wholly  upon  moral  forces  to 
achieve  victory. 

The  situation  was  therefore  somewhat  ludicrous,  and  certainly 
dramatic,  when  a quantity  of  Democratic  cipher  telegrams  of 
1876,  which  had  passed  into  the  hands  of  a Senate  Committee, 


THE  TRIBUNE'S  CIPHER  DISCLOSURES 


391 


were  translated  by  the  combined  efforts  of  Colonel  W.  M.  Gros- 
venor  and  Mr,  J.  R.  G.  Ilassard,  of  the  New  York  Tribune,  and 
established  apparently  beyond  question  that  the  voluble  and  vin- 
dictive refonner,  IMarble,  with  C.  W.  Wooley,  Smith  M.  Weed, 
John  F.  Coyle,  Colonel  W.  T.  Felton,  and  others,  had  been  en- 
gaged, during  the  weeks  following  the  election  of  1876,  in  a 
direct  effort  to  purchase  the  Presidency  with  money. 

In  the  beginning,  the  Potter  Committee  had  reported  ceVtain 
Republican  irregularities  and  there  had  been  great  rejoicing  in 
and  about  the  neighborhood  of  Mr.  Tilden’s  residence  in  Gram- 
ercy  Park.  Early  in  August  ]Mr.  Marble  had  taken  occasion  to 
})ut  forth  a letter  more  direct,  more  bitter  and  more  specific  in  its 
charges,  as  well  as  more  exhaustive  in  its  peculiar  rhetoric  than 
any  preceding  document.  This  remarkable  manifesto  appeared 
at  a singularly  unfortunate  time,  for  the  ink  with  which  it  was 
printed  was  hardly  dry  when  there  began  to  api)ear,  in  the  pages 
of  the  Tril)une,  selections  from  the  mass  of  cipher  despatches 
which  had  passed  between  i\Ir.  Tilden’s  residence  and  those 
friends  who  had  looked  after  his  interests  in  the  South  during 
the  Returning  Board  period. 

The  despatches,  as  they  first  ai)peared,  were  still  in  cipher,  but 
even  in  their  cryptographic  form  there  was  something  strangely 
suggestive  in  certain  of  the  phraseolog>q  and  day  by  day  as  they 
appeared  the  interest  of  the  public  became  ever  more  intense, 
especially  as  the  Tribune  here  and  there  hinted  at  possible  mean- 
ings and  word  ammgements — a fact  which  would  suggest  to-day 
that  the  cipher  experts  were  already  far  on  their  way  toward 
actual  solutions,  and  that  the  Tribune  was  merely  preparing  the 
public  for  one  of  the  greatest  newspaper  beats  on  record. 

Indeed,  the  gradual  development  of  the  Tribune’s  “ Cipher 
Disclosures  ” resembles  nothing  so  much  as  a cat  playing  with 
a mouse,  or  with  a number  of  mice,  which,  when  it  is  ready  for 
the  feast,  it  will  slay  with  great  gusto  and  intense  torture.  The 


392 


THOMAS  NAST 


Tribune  prolonged  its  playful  enjoyment  by  quoting  despatches 
and  parts  of  despatches  having  a humorous  sound.  Such  words 
as  ‘ ‘ geodesy  ’ ’ and  ‘ ‘ incremable  ’ ’ gave  special  delight  to  the 
writer,  who  declared  that  no  one  but  Mr.  Marble  could  have 
employed  these  verbal  curiosities.  Presently  there  began  to 
appear  half-translated  cryptograms,  such  as  the  following: 

‘ ‘ To  Colonel  W.  T.  Pelton,  15  Gramercy  Park,  N.  Y. 

(15  Gramercy  Park  was  Mr.  Tilden’s  home.  Colonel  Pelton 
was  his  nephew  and  private  secretary.) 

“ Bolivia  Laura.  Finished  yesterday  aftenioon  responsibilitj' 
Moses.  Last  night  Fox  found  me  and  said  he  had  nothing  which 
I knew  already.  Tell  Russia  saddle  Blackstone.  M.  M.” 

It  became  evident,  not  only  to  the  conspirators,  but  to  the 
public,  that  if  the  paper  had  not  already  found  the  key  to  these 
communications,  it  would  speedily  do  so,  and  that  a great  ex- 
posure of  inside  history  was  about  to  be  made.* 

The  Tribune  now  gave  Mr.  Marble  and  his  associates  an  oppor- 
tunity to  publish,  of  their  own  accord,  the  key  to  the  ciphers, 
and  thus  clear  Mr.  Tilden  of  the  suspicion  that  was  rapidly  grow- 
ing in  the  public  mind.f  Republican  ciphers  had  been  translated 
and  found  to  be  harmless.  If  the  Democratic  despatches  were 
of  the  same  sort,  it  was  time  that  the  reputation  of  the  party, 
and  especially  the  good  name  of  INIr.  Tilden,  should  be  protected. 

For,  says  the  Tribune,  there  is  no  man  outside  of  an  asylum 
of  idiots  who  will  believe  that  Mr.  Tilden  did  not  know  anything 
of  the  despatches  in  cipher,  ])assing  between  his  house  and  his 
confidential  friend,  Manton  Marble. 

* In  a rcoent  letter  to  the  writer  Mr.  Whitelaw  Reid  says: 

My  recollection  is  that  Mr.  llassard  and  Colonel  Grosvenor  worked  independently 
of  each  other  for  some  time  on  the  ciphers,  occasionally  c-onsultiiif;  and  comparinf? 
notes;  and  that  when  the  clue  was  finally  detected  Mr.  Hassard  fjave  me  his  dis- 
covery in  the  afternoon,  and  a little  later,  on  the  same  day,  a despatch  was  received 
from  Colonel  Grosvenor  at  Englewood,  reporting  the  same  discovery.  Practically 
it  was  simultaneous. 

•)•  Copies  of  the  cipher  despatches  were  also  privately  offered  to  Mr.  Tilden  by  Mr. 
Reid  during  an  interview  at  the  United  States  Hotel  in  Saratoga.  Mr.  Tilden  de- 
clined them,  which  might  be  taken  to  indicate  that  he  was  already  familiar  with 
their  contents. 


THE  TRIBUNE’S  CIPHER  DISCLOSURES 


393 


The  Tribune  adds : 

If  they  (the  despatches)  have  an  innocent  meaning,  why 
is  it  that  of  at  least  a dozen  friends  of  Mr.  Tilden  who  were 
found  using  the  same  ci})her,  not  a single  one  dares  to  come 
forward  with  the  key.  Plain  people  know  what  such  silence 
means.  Dare  Samuel  J.  Tilden  make  known  the  key  of  the 
secret  despatches  to  and  from  Gramercy  Park! 


The  curiosity  of  the  public  was  now  at  fever  heat  and  there 
had  been  awakened  a feeling  of  indignation  which  had  resulted 


in  a suggestion  that  the  returned  Potter  Committee  should  put 
Mr.  Tilden  and  his  friends  on  the  stand  to  explain  the  secret 


correspondence.  Of 
course,  from  the 
newspaper  stand- 
point, this  would  not 
do — not  yet.  The  cat 
must  kill  its  own 
mice,  and  the  time 
for  the  killing  was 
close  at  hand. 

On  Saturday, 
October  5,  the  Trib- 
une gave  notice  that 
the  first  execution 
would  take  place  in 
the  Monday  morn- 
ing issue.  It  said: 

AVe  shall  show  not 
only  what  the  cipher 
despatches  mean, 
but  how  they  were 
made,  who  wrote 
them,  who  received 
them,  and  how  we 
discovered  the  in- 
terpretation of 


isy.j 

ThC  AQOUTlON 

or  inhcritancg 
tmc  abol»tion 
or  IHC  TAMILV 
ThC  ABOtiTlON 
or  fiCuiCtONl 
ThC  abolition 
Of  PfiCfCRTT. 


WE  HATE  KIl 


AN  0 


l-a  8oft;\. 


FR  r e: 


r/unoER 


VERY  SOCIAL 

First  D.  H.  Conspirator— “ After  we  have  killed  all  kinj^s  and  rulers,  we 
shall  he  the  sovereigns.'* 

Second  D.  H.  Conspirator— **  And  then  we  will  kill  each  other,  ^^^lat 
sport.” 


31)4 


THOMAS  NAST 


them.  We  shall  print  the  despatches  themselves,  as  well  as  the 
translations,  and  we  shall  give  the  keys  so  that  anybody  can  test 
the  accuracy  of  the  versions. 

What  happened  in  Gramercy  Park  over  that  fateful  Sunday 
has  not  been  recorded,  but  bright  and  early  on  Monday  morning 
the  Tribune  made  good  its  promise.  In  extra  pages  and  in  bold 
t^^3e  a goodly  portion  of  the  Florida  despatches  were  set  forth, 
with  the  keys  necessary  to  their  solution.  Also  the  explanation 
of  how  the  ingenious  “ Dictionary  Ciphers  ” had  been  gradually 
and  surely  worked  out  until  the  whole  miserable  story  was  clear 
for  all  the  world  to  read. 

And  the  world  did  read,  absorbing  the  strange  marvel  of  the 
tale.  The  Florida  despatches  which  had  passed  between  Mr.  Til- 
den ’s  residence  and  Tallahassee  showed  that  one  proposition 
from  Mr.  Marble  to  pay  $200,000  for  a favorable  decision  had 
been  held  “ too  high  ” because  another  despatch  from  another 
agent  had  promised  a cheaper  bargain.  Mr.  Marble’s  despatch 
was  as  follows: 

“ Tallahassee,  Dec.  2. 

“ Colonel  Pelton,  15  Gramercy  Park: 

“ Have  just  received  a j)roposition  to  hand  over  at  any  hour 
required  Tilden  decision  of  board  and  certificate  of  Governor 
for  $200,000.  Marble.  ’ ’ 

The  “ cheaper  bargain  ” had  been  offered  by  C.  W.  AVooley, 
whose  cryptographic  name  was  “ Fox,”  and  had  been  addressed 
to  H.  Ilavemeyer,  who  would  appear  to  have  been  in  some  way  re- 
lated to  the  enterprise.  It  bore  the  date  of  Tallaliassee,  Decem- 
ber 1. 

“ Board  may  make  necessary  expense  of  half  a hundred 
thousand  dollars.  Can  you  say  will  deposit  in  bank  immediately 
if  agreed?  ” 

The  reply  to  this  was: 

” Telegram  received.  AA^ill  deposit  dollars  agreed.  (You) 
cannot  however  draw  before  vote  (of)  member  (is)  received.” 

The  wary  financial  end  of  the  enterprise  did  not  wish  to 


THE  TlilEUNE’S  CIPHER  DISCLOSURES 


3'J5 


pay  for  a vote  without  the  goods  iu  hand.  To  this  Wooley 
replied: 

“ Select  some  one  in  whom  you  liave  more  confidence.” 

Answer: 

“ All  here  have  peiTect  confidence  in  you.  No  other  has 
power  and  all  applications  declined.  Stay  and  do  what  you 
telegraphed  you  could  do.” 

This  was  signed  “ "W,”  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  sent  by 
Colonel  W.  T.  Pelton.  Three  days  later  i\Ir.  Marble,  who  was 
cryptographically  “ Moses,”  and  who  even  in  cipher  could  not 
avoid  rhetorical  exercise,  sent  this  interesting  word: 

“ Tallahassee,  Dec.  4. 

“ Col.  M".  T.  Pelton,  15  Gramercy  Park: 

” Proposition  received  here  giving  vote  of  Kepublican  of 
Board,  or  his  concurrence  in  court  action  i)reventing  electoral 
votes  from  being  cast,  for  half  a hundred  best  U.  S. 
documents.  Marble.  ’ ’ 

“ Best  U.  S.  documents  ” were  one  thousand  dollar  bills— half 
a hundred  of  which  would  be  $50,000,  the  amount  already  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  Woolej".  Here  was  a dilemma.  Gramercy  Park 
could  not  be  certain  that  the  agents  were  acting  in  concert  and 
ordered  them  to  get  together  at  once.  Doubtless  this  was  accom- 
pished,  for  presently  from  ‘‘  Moses  ” came  a second  cipher  which, 
translated,  read : 

“ May  Wooley  give  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  less  half  for 
Tilden  additional  Board  member?  ” 

No  reply  came  to  this,  and  in  Tallahassee  feverish  hours  went 
by.  The  time  for  action  was  getting  l)rief.  Gramercy  Park  was 
uncertain,  economical  and  hesitating.  It  was  not  altogether 
clear  that  the  same  vote  was  not  being  twice  paid  for.  With  a 
business  thrift  perhaps  inherited  from  his  prudent  uncle,  Colonel 
Pelton  did  not  care  to  v’aste  money.  Finally  he  telegraphed: 

“ Proposition  accepted  if  only  done  once.” 

But  there  was  some  mistake  in  the  transmission  of  this  mes- 
sage and  it  was  unintelligible  in  Tallahassee.  “ Moses  ” and 


396 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ Fox  ” wired  again  and  more  precious  hours  were  lost.  Then, 
at  last,  came  the  long-waited  for  authority  in  ju’oper  form.  The 
order  to  buy  one  Presidency  for  “ half  a hundred  best  U.  S.  docu- 
ments ” was  in  their  hands.  The  purchasers  rushed  out  aud- 
it was  too  late.  It  was  then  that  “ Moses  ” had  sent  the  “ Black- 
stone  ” telegram,  which,  fully  elucidated,  ran: 

“ Col.  W.  T.  Pelton,  15  Gramercy  Park: 

“ Proposition  failed.  Finished  yesterday  afternoon  respon- 
sibility as  Moses.  Last  night  Wooley  found  me  and  said  he  had 
nothing,  wliicli  I knew  already.  Tell  Tilden  to  saddle  Black- 
stone.  Marble.” 

That  is,  Mr.  Tilden  was  to  resort  to  legal  proceedings. 

Never  since  the  Times  exposure  of  the  Tweed  accounts  had 
there  been  such  a newspaper  triumph.  From  end  to  end  the 
nation  was  in  a mixed  state  of  sorrow  and  ridicule.  Every  jour- 
nal of  whatever  party  was  full  of  the  matter— every  Hayes  organ 
and  a goodly  number  of  those  which  had  hitherto  supported  Til- 
den promptly  accepting  the  disclosures  as  genuine,  and  as  proof 
of  Mr.  Tilden ’s  complicity. 

That  Thomas  Nast  would  make  the  most  of  the  Florida  revela- 
tions goes  without  saying.  His  faith  in  Tilden  had  never  been 
more  than  momentary,  while  Manton  INIarble  had  even  more 
rarely  commanded  his  admiration.  He  removed  Mr.  Tilden ’s 
mummy  from  the  company  of  that  of  l\Ir.  Hendricks,  covered 
the  casing  with  cryptograms,  and  inscribed  upon  it,  “ Tilden  and 
Keform,”  with  the  pseudonyms,  “ INloses  ” and  ” Fox.”  Upon 
the  brow  of  the  occupant  he  branded  the  word  “ Fraud  ’’—the 
whole  “ Exhumed  by  the  New  York  Tribune.”  IMarble  he 
depicted  as  a statue  with  a scroll  of  ciphers  in  his  hand.  The 
issues  of  the  Weekly  containing  these  j)ictures  complimented  the 
Tribune’s  great  achievement  and  gave  translations  of  the  ciphers 
on  Mr.  Tilden ’s  casing. 

It  seems  hardly  necessary  to  enter  into  the  full  details  of 
the  South  Carolina  and  Oregon  attempts  to  buy  or  control 


THE  TlilliUNE’S  CIPHER  DISCLOSURES 


397 


electors.  Those  who  care  to  dig  more  deeply  into  these  political 
methods  of  a bygone  day  may  follow  the  entire  proceedings  in 
the  files  of  the  New  York  Tribune  during  the  final  months  of 
1878  and  the  early  months  of  1879,  and  learn  therefrom  the  whole 
curious  and  remarkable  story. 

The  transactions  of  Smith  i\r.  AYeed  in  South  Carolina  would 
seem  to  have  been  even  more  oj^en  than  those  in  Florida.  He  did 
not  use  a pseudonym,  hut  wired  over  his  own  initials  that  he 
could  control  the  Ketuniing  Board  for  $80,000.  This  proposition 

being  accepted,  he 
set  out  for  Balti- 
more, where  a mes- 
senger was  to  meet 
him  with  the  money, 
which  he  had  re- 
quested should  be 
conveniently  di- 
vided into  three 
2)ackages  of  $65,000, 
$10,000,  and  $5,000, 
resjiectively,  all  in 
bills  of  large  denom- 
inations. But,  alas, 
there  was  the  usual 
delay  and  uncertain- 
t}'  of  all  Gramercy 
Park  transactions, 
and  before  the 
necessary  funds 
arrived  the  Can- 
vassing Board  had 
declared  for 

AX  APPEAL  TO  MARBLE 

“ ’Tis  time;  descend;  be  stone  no  more.” — Shakespeare  -ilaj  OS. 


398 


THOMAS  NAST 


In  Oregon, as  previously  noted  (page  346), an  attempt  was  made 
to  disqualify  a Kepublican  elector  on  the  ground  of  ineligibility. 
It  was  necessary,  however,  to  i)urcliase  another  elector  to  act 
with  Cronin  (the  Democrat  selected)  and  negotiations  to  this 
end  were  conducted  through  one  J.  X,  II.  Patrick  and  others.  The 
Oregon  episode  is  chiefly  notable  for  the  celebrated  “ Gobble  ” 
or  “ Gabble  ” ci])her  sent  by  the  Democratic  Governor  of  Ore- 
gon, Grover,  directly  to  Mr.  Tilden  himself.  Patrick  had  already 
telegraphed  to  Pelton,  Xovember  30: 

“ Governor  all  right  without  reward.  "Will  issue  certificate 
Tuesday.  One  elector  must  l)e  paid  to  recognize  Democrat  to 
secure  majority.  Will  take  .$5,000  for  Pepublican  elector.” 

The  Governor’s  cipher  despatch  to  l\Ir.  Tilden  next  morning 
confirmed  the  above,  at  least  so  far  as  his  own  intentions  were 
concerned.  Translated,  it  ran: 

“ Portland,  Ore.,  Dec.  1,  1870. 

” To  Samuel  J.  Tilden,  15  Gramercy  Park,  X.  V.: 

” I shall  decide  every  point  in  the  case  of  ])ost-ofiice  elector 
(the  disqualified  Kepublican)  in  favor  of  the  highest  Democratic 
elector,  and  grant  the  certificate  accordingly  on  morning  of  (ith 
instant.  Confidential. 

‘ Gabble  ’ ” (Govenior). 

It  is  presumed  that  a telegram  addressed  to  INtr.  Tilden  per- 
sonally at  his  home  would  be  delivered  to  him,  and  that  at  least 
he  received  this  particular  message.  Yet  the  Oregon  negotia- 
tions continued  and  were  still  in  progress  on  December  6th,  five 
days  later.  The  money  was  sent  to  purchase  the  elector,  who 
” must  be  paid,”  but  with  that  curious  fatality  which  followed 
af  the  heels  of  each  of  these  attemi)ts  it  arrived  one  day  too  late. 

And  it  seems  a destiny  still  more  strange  that  the  Potter  Com- 
mittee should  now  turn  to  rend  those  who  had  prodded  it  into 
existence.  It  held  an  inquisition  at  AVashington,  where  it  wrung 
confession  from  Colonel  Pelton;  also  from  Mr.  AVeed,  who  justified 
his  offence  by  declaring  it  was  ” only  ])aying  money  for  stolon 
property.”  Then,  when  it  had  secured  a statement  from  Air. 


THE  TRIBUNE’S  CIPHER  DISCLOSURES 


399 


Marble  that  sucli  telegrams  as  lie  had  sent  had  been  merely 
“ danger  signals,”  it  came  to  New  York  to  allow  Mr.  Tilden  to 
testify  in  his  own  behalf.  The  examination  took  place  in  F^bni- 
arj",  1879,  at  the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel,  and  was  of  dramatic  in- 
terest. The  witness  was  feeble  and  broken.  The  sorrow  of  his 
defeat,  the  obloquy  incident  to  the  exposure,  the  months  of  sus- 
pense had  told.  Commenting  editorially  on  this  “ last  scene  of 
all,”  the  Tribune  said: 

In  a low  dark  room,  excessively  hot  and  densely  packed, 
the  whole  world  sat  at  the  reporters’  tables,  or  crowded  close 
with  note-book  in  hand  to  catch  the  faint  whispers  that  fell 
from  a woni  and  haggard  old  man. 

The  “ Sage  of  Gramercy  Park  ” had  become  a pitiful  and 
shrunken  figure.  His  hands  shook,  his  words  were  almost  in- 
audible. The  cross-examination  of  Frank  Hiscock  of  New  York 
and  Thomas  B.  Reed  of  Maine  was  unusually  trying  and  severe, 
and,  shrewd  lawyer  that  he  was,  Mr.  Tilden  fared  badly  in  their 
hands.  Again,  as  in  1868,  he  denied  that  he  had  ever  taken  any 
]>art  in  the  attempted  bribery.  He  avowed  that  he  would  have 
scorned  to  defend  his  title  by  any  such  means.  He  referred  to 
the  ” futile  dalliance  ” of  Colonel  Pelton,  whose  sole  otfence,  he 
said,  was  to  offer  to  bribe  men  to  do  their  lawful  duty.  Once, 
when  a sharp  sally  from  Mr.  Reed  provoked  laughter  among  the 
spectators,  Mr.  Tilden  made  an  effort  to  join  in  the  mirth. 

He  was  allowed  to  go  at  last,  and  in  the  hearts  of  men  censure 
began  to  give  way  to  a feeling  of  sympathy  for  one  who  so 
recently  had  been  his  party’s  idol  and  the  “ people’s  choice,” 
but  who  now  was  but  an  added  wreck  among  the  rocks  and 
shifting  sands  of  politics.  For,  innocent  or  guilty,  with  the  first 
publication  of  the  cipher  disclosures,  his  career  had  met  death 
at  his  verj'  threshold,  his  pennant  of  Reform  had  become  a rag  of 
mockery  in  his  hands. 


AVhile  the  evidence  adduced  against  Mr.  Tilden  by  the  Tribune 


4U0 


THOMAS  NAST 


exposures  and  the  subsequent  examinations  was  of  a kind  purely 
relative  and  inferential,  it  was  nevertheless  of  a nature  suffi- 
ciently startling.  Nor  have  more  recent  developments  been 
favorable  to  the  assumption  of  his  entire  innocence. 

In  a recent  article  in  McClure’s  Magazine  (May,  1904)  the 
writer,  a friend  of  the  late  Abram  S.  Hewitt,  in  reference  to  Mr. 
Tilden’s  conduct  during  the  days  of  the  Electoral  Commission 
(January  and  Fehruarj*,  1877),  says: 

Throughout  the  controversy  there  was  a continual  un- 
certainty as  to  who  was  Mr.  Tilden’s  spokesman.  Mr.  Hewitt 
naturally  thought  he  ought  to  be,  but  was  often  as  much  in 
doubt  as  any  one.  Colonel  Pelton,  Mr.  Tilden’s  nephew  and 
private  secretary,  sometimes  seemed  to  be  the  man,  sometimes 
Speaker  Kandall,  sometimes  Colonel  AVatterson,  who  accepted 
election  to  vacancy  at  Mr.  Tilden’s  urgent  request,  and  again 
David  Dudley  Field.  In  fact  this  writer  is  assured  that  there 
never  was  a time  when  any  man  had  the  complete  confidence  of 
j\Ir.  Tilden,  whose  frequent  telegrams  were  often  unsigned,  and 
though  in  general  there  was  a perfect  understanding  as  to 
what  should  be  done,  progress  in  a matter  in  which  Mr.  Tilden 
was  most  concerned  was  much  interrupted  by  his  occasional 
utter  refusal  to  give  orders,  or  by  the  order  being  sent  to  the 
wrong  person. 

The  reader  must  see  that  this  coincides  exactly  with  the  hesi- 
tations and  delays  which  brought  to  naught  the  purchase  pro- 
ceedings in  the  several  States  where  negotiations  had  been  actu- 
ally begun.  Many  of  the  cipher  telegrams  were  unsigned,  while 
the  tendency  to  dally,  to  hesitate  and  to  distrust  was  constantly 
made  manifest.  If  we  assume  that  i\[r.  Tilden  himself  was  be- 
hind Colonel  Pelton,  the  reason  for  the  i)eculiar  economies  and  de- 
lays— the  “ futile  dalliance  ” — becomes  immediately  apparent. 

That  Colonel  Pelton  did  so  act  for  his  uncle  was  the  prompt 
conclusion,  not  only  of  the  Eepublican  Party,  but  of  a suffi- 
ciently large  number  of  Democrats,  to  destroy  utterly  the  possi- 
bility of  his  ever  obtaining  another  presidential  nomination. 
l\Iost  of  these  did  not  hesitate  to  declare  that  the  fact  of  the 
telegrams  having  been  sent  and  received  at  15  Gramercy  Park 


"iTricoTo  Oo  Somc  Good' 


DEMOCRATIC 

PLATFORM 

c;  «f  r«ra*  A»4  rn«4  lb*  bifb  ofl<wU  (Utf 

<iurv|H<4i«ml  ttftdrr*  at  tlx  Rxpublx«n 
•••'itM  ••>4  rr«trM4 
clMi«r  »•«  i»x  •» 

trau4  eftndiiJjW  Ml 

(mI  >b«*t«4  tkr  prafU  at  llxl 
f»t«TM  at  tb«  go>«n>»t«l  vkicfc 

iixx  WIlM*  had  4«R>aiMM  and  o/dainaJ, 
aaj  M h ih*  Mra  af  t»x  AaXTMM 

|ww|iV  ilxi  (w  h a fraud  ha*  Um 
iiBtad  fa*  ilx  k*i  iMBr 


CIPHER  MUMM(er)Y 
(BUbumud  by  the  New  York  Tribune) 


402 


THOMAS  NAST 


was  sufficient  evidence  that  Mr.  Tilden  knew  what  was  in  prog- 
ress—it  being  his  habit  and  very  nature  to  give  extraordinaiy 
attention  to  the  details  of  political  contests.  It  developed  further 
that  the  cipher  used  was  one  which  Mr.  Tilden  had  long  em- 
])loyed  in  his  business  transactions  and  continued  to  do  up  to 
the  very  time  of  the  Tribune  exposure.  Also,  it  ma}’  l)e  added, 
a number  of  the  telegrams,  like  the  “ Blackstone  ” cipher, 
would  seem  to,  have  been  intended  for  “ Iiussia  ” (iVIr.  Tilden ’s 
cry})tographic  title),  such  messages  having  been  sent  by  his 
intimate  friends  with  a full  knoAvledge  of  all  the  conditions  and 
])Ossibilities,  while  the  “ Gabble  ” cipher  was  sent  directly  to  Mr. 
Tilden  himself,  and  could  hardly  have  passed  unnoticed.  More- 
over, there  is  recorded  evidence  that  ]\lr.  Tilden  was  apprised  of 
Colonel  Felton’s  doings  while  the  attempts  were  still  in  progress, 
for  Colonel  Felton  himself,  before  the  Fotter  Committee,  testi- 
fied that  he  had  been  censured  by  his  uncle  for  the  South  Caro- 
lina attempt  in  Noveml)er,  which  reproof  had  not  prevented  him 
from  undertaking,  through  “ Moses  ” and  “ Fox,”  the  Florida 
enterprise,  ending  with  the  ” Tell  Russia  to  saddle  Blackstone  ” 
cipher.  He  added  that  throughout  alt  he  had  been  recognized 
by  tbe  others  as  his  uncle’s  accredited  agent  and  that  any  request 
from  Felton  had  been  virtually  a request  from  Tilden.  That 
i\rr.  Tilden  should  have  retained  as  friends  and  intimates  of  his 
household  not  only  his  nephew  l)ut  those  associated  with  him  in 
the  undertaking,  and  had  still  proclaimed  the  creed  of  Refonn 
from  his  doorstep  long  after  he  had  acquired  a full  knowledge  of 
their  misdeeds,  was  a condition  which  even  his  warmest  admir- 
ers could  not  overlook. 

Finally,  it  may  be  added  that  as  INfr.  Tilden ’s  nephew.  Colonel 
Felton,  was  believed  to  have  no  amount  of  funds  that  were  not 
provided  l)y  his  uncle,  the  conclusion  was  naturally  reached  that 
the  ” Eighty  thousand  dollars  in  three  convenient  packages  ” 
and  the  ” Half  a hundred  best  U.  8.  Documents  ” were  to  be  sup- 


THE  TRIBUNE’S  CIPHER  DISCLOSURES 


403 


plied  in  some  manner  from  “ Uncle  Sammy’s  celebrated  barrel,” 
which  bad  figured  so  largely  during  the  campaign. 

Concerning  the  evidence  in  Mr.  Tilden’s  favor,  it  may  be  said 
that  all  of  those  examined  by  the  Potter  Committee  declared  for 
his  innocence.  Their  testimony  may  be  accepted  for  what  it  is 
worth.  If  we  do  not  highly  regard  it  as  evidence,  we  may  respect 
in  it  a certain  honor  and  sense  of  chivalry.  That  conspiracy  and 
fraud  could  spring  up  and  thrive  not  only  at  Mr.  Tilden’s  thresh- 
old, hut  by  his  very  fireside— all  unknown  and  unsuspected  by 
that  astute  lawyer— was  not  conceded  for  an  instant  by  his  ene- 
mies, and  was  admitted  with  reluctance  by  his  friends.  Even 
those  who  remained  loyal  and  honored  him  were  obliged  to 
confess  that  one  so  easily  hoodwinked  could  not  properly  become 
the  nation’s  chief  executive. 

Time  has  softened  and  forgetfulness  destroyed  many  of  the 
old  impressions  and  the  old  asperities.  Sympathy  with  a feeble 
and  disappointed  man  is  characteristic  of  the  American  people, 
and  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Tilden  the  general  unpopularity  of  his 
successful  opponent.  President  Hayes,  told  largely  in  his  favor. 
]\Ir.  Tilden  to-day  is  almost  universally  regarded  as  a hero  and  a 
martyr— a great  statesman  defrauded  of  his  rights— the  victim 
not  only  of  his  enemies  hut  of  his  friends. 


THE  OPEXING  OF  CONGHESS 


CHAPTER  XLV 


A TESTIMONIAL  FROM  THE  ARMY  AND  NAVY 

The  autmim  elections  of  1S7S  were  directly  influenced  by  the 
cipher  exposures.  Much  of  the  ground  which  the  Republicans 
had  lost  the  year  before  was  regained,  while  Democratic  possi- 
bility of  a President  in  ISSO,  which  had  become  clearly  defined 
since  the  inauguration  of  Hayes,  now  became  daily  more 
remote.  Xast  pictured  the  Lamb  as  emerging  from  the  interior 
of  the  Democratic  Tiger,  and  Henry  TCatterson  as  chaining  up 
the  devil  who  was  not  to  be  turned  loose  just  yet.  He  closed  his 
important  work  of  the  year  with  a companion  piece  to  his  Gen- 
Disposition  ” caricature  of  himself,  printed  more  than  a year 
before.  In  this  second  picture  Uncle  Sam  is  shown  as  fleeing, 
while  the  bottom  has  dropped  out  of  the  policy  chair,  and  ‘ ‘ our 
patient  artist  ” has  fallen  through,  though  he  still  extends  high 
in  air  the  traditional  “ scissors.”  significant  of  defiance  to  the 
last. 

Xast’s  position  on  the  President's  Southern  policy  had  been 
vindicated  by  events.  The  conciliation  overtures  made  by  Hayes 
had  resulted  in  making  the  South  scarcely  less  bitter  and  cer- 
tainly more  solid  than  at  any  time  since  the  war.  That  the 
Harpers  permitted  the  publication  of  this  second  picture  was 
sufficient  notice  to  the  public  that  their  surrender  on  this  point 
was  complete. 


A TESTIMONIAL  FROM  THE  ARMY  AND  NAVY  405 


'OULU  D02ING 
tMf’sMOT  - CUN.  VgEP 
rnC  SOUTH  SOLID 

, NOTICE 
aokinistpation 
partis  mas  not 
TORNCO  yp  VET.ejt 
»C  UU^T  WATCH  AND 


The  Christmas 
picture  of  1878  was 
copied  by  the  Pic- 

ILI  A T ION  SMQT-CQN  ffOP'iTS  WOwOC^  torial  World  of 

London,  without 

UNITCO  STATCS. 

AC9M  or  T»c  uMTtO  STATES  m onOCAfOrOMiAMORC  _ - 

PCAn.C*  UNION  «*T»«.*TH  .n/^TiCC  CNSUPC  OOMCSTlC  TAJApA-  O I'i IlCOrl  OC 

■ ttc  COUWUN  oci^cc  xioigTf  T>C  CCKAAL  KA*  L/lclJ^iLA  C4..1 1 Cl  LlotTCl  Clo 

c<  BLEg^TKlGS  or 

TO  OWI»SC«.vCS  ANO  MOOTCRiTy,  OO  ..  ... 

a color  supplement 

— the  only  change 
being  that  the 
American  Flag  of 
Nast’s  picture  was 
altered  by  the  Eng- 
lish periodical  into 
the  flag  of  Great 
Britain.  This  repro- 
duction and  adapta- 
tion of  Nast’s  work 
on  the  other  side 
was  now  the  rule 
with  many  of  the  London  papers,  especially  with  the  holiday 
editions.  A single  Christmas  number  of  “ Yule  Tide  ” contained 
both  front  and  double  page  reproductions  of  his  pictures. 

January  1,  1879,  was  marked  by  the  resumption  in  the  United 
States  of  specie  payment.  There  had  been  considerable  doubt 
as  to  the  ability  of  the  Government  to  maintain  its  promises, 
even  up  to  the  final  months,  but  the  prices  of  coin  and  currency 
drew  nearer  and  nearer  together,  until,  when  the  final  day  ar- 
rived, they  had  merged  into  one,  and  those  who  had  been  hoard- 
ing greenbacks  with  the  idea  of  converting  them  into  gold  found 
that  they  did  not  really  want  it,  after  all.*  The  great  change 


OUR  PATIENT  AUTI.ST 


* There  had  been  uneasiness  at  Washington,  owing  to  rumors  of  a gold  “ cor- 
ner ” and  a possible  run  on  the  Sub-Treasury  in  New  York,  but  at  the  close  of  busi- 
ness on  the  first  “ resumption  ” day  it  was  found  that  $400,000  in  gold  had  been  paid 
into  the  Sub-Treasury  and  but  $135,000  withdrawn. 


406 


THOMAS  NAST 


took  place  witliout  a flutter  of  disturbance.  Confidence  in  our 
national  integrity  was  complete.  The  chief  evil  resulting  from 
the  war  had  been  overcome. 

Perhai)s  Xast’s  disgust  with  the  silver  situation  prevented 
him  from  taking  any  })ictorial  notice  of  this  great  financial 
event.  Instead  he  presented  “ A Christmas  Box  ” to  the  Solid 
South— the  box  containing  a new,  clean  shirt,  to  be  donned  in 
l)lace  of  the  old  “ bloody  one  ” which  is  sus})ended  on  the  wall. 
The  artist  realized  that  the  day  of  this  emblem  was  about  over. 
The  tendering  to  his  ancient  enemy  of  the  new  and  speckless  gar- 
ment was  like  holding  out  the  Olive  Branch,  or,  more  exactly, 
the  Flag  of  Truce. 

The  new  year  also  introduced  General  Butler — ^who  was  neither 
Kepublican  nor  Democrat— as  “ The  Lone  Fishennan,  from 

]\lass.,”  angling  for 
a new  party  in 
stormy  political 
seas.  Secretary 
Schurz,  as  a carpen- 
ter, having  recon- 
structed his  “ In- 
dian Bureau  ” in  a 
somewhat  hetero- 
geneous fashion, 
calmly  invites  pub- 
lic inspection  to  his 
work.  “ The  Ass 
and  the  Charger,” 
one  of  Xast’s  telling 
anny  pictures,  came 
the  last  week  in  Jan- 

THE  I.OXE  FISHERMAN  (f'ltOM  MASS.);  OR.  THE  Bl'LLDOZED  OLD  MAN  Uai'y,  and,  as  if  in 
* The  friends  of  General  Bi'TLKK  credit  him  with  an  intention  of  oixanlzlnpT  a new  ^ -i  • , i i 

Demoeralic  i)arty,  which  shall  be  made  ‘ the  especial  champion  of  human  i 1 f O JlP  CTlflW  - 

rights.’”  -n'aMnuton  corre^imidence  o/  the  Tribune  I It, 


A TESTIMONIAL  FROM  THE  ARMY  AND  NAl  Y 407 


edj^meiit,  there  fol- 
lowed the  presenta- 
tion of  the  Army 
and  Navy  testimon- 
ial— the  consumma- 
tion of  the  plan 
which  “ Fighting 
Guy”  V.  Henry  had 
inaugurated  the 
year  before. 

This  testimonial, 
like  that  of  the 
Ihiioii  League  Club, 
in  18()9,  was  in  the 
fonn  of  a beautiful 
silver  vase,  its  pat- 
tern being  that  of  a 
large  army  canteen, 
handsomely  chased 
and  mounted.  On  one  side  Columbia  is  shown  as  decorating 
the  artist  in  token  of  his  services.  On  the  other  is  the  inscrip- 
tion: 

Presented  to  Thomas  Nast  by  his  friends  in  the  Army  and 
Navy  of  the  United  States,  in  recognition  of  the  patriotic  use 
he  has  made  of  his  rare  abilities  as  the  artist  of  the  people. 
The  gift  of  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  the  Anny  and 

Navy  of  the  United  States. 

The  ceremony  took  place  at  the  home  of  Colonel  AVilliam  C. 
Church,  editor  of  the  Anny  and  Navy  Joumal,  51  Irving  Place, 
New  York  City.  General  Hancock  was  to  have  made  the  presen- 
tation address,  hut  being  ill  could  not  attend,  and  General  Crit- 
tenden acted  in  his  stead.  The  event  was  unique  in  militaiy  his- 
tory. Never  before  had  the  Anny  and  Navy  made  public  recogni- 
tion of  the  services  of  a private  citizen.  General  Crittenden  said: 


NO  MORE  OUTBREAKS 


C.  SCHCRZ— 1 do  not  repel,  but  Invite,  inspection  and  observation  on  the  part 
of  military  officers.’^ 


408 


THOMAS  NAST 


At  a time  when  the  Army  and  Navy  were  in  their  utmost 
straits  you  were  a friend,  When  the  Army  and  Navy  were  as- 
sailed in  the  rear,  when  men  who  had  been  comrades  and  had 
got  to  be  politicians,  were  assailing  the  army,  when  its  best 
friends  were  timid  or  silent,  you  with  a matchless,  magic  pencil 
spread  the  truth  abroad  in  the  land  and  filled  the  minds  of 
l)cople  with  truth,  and  their  hearts  with  generous  sentiments. 
What  wonder  that  all  those  officers  and  soldiers  should  now 
turn  to  you  as  their  steadfast  friend,  and  one  most  deser\fing 
to  be  honored  at  their  hands,  . . . Your  little  finger  was 

stronger  on  our  side  than  the  pens  and  voices  of  the  ablest  and 
loudest  orators  who  were  against  us.  What  wonder  that  these 
people  should  consider  you  as  their  friend.  In  their  name  I 
tender  you  this  as  a token  of  their  admiration,  their  gratitude 
and  their  friendship. 

Nast  could  say  but  little  in  reply.  He  managed  to  tell  them 
that  the  pencil  was  the  only  instrument  he  could  play  upon,  and 
complimented  the  braver^"  and  steadfastness  of  soldier  and 
sailor.  He  added  a tribute  to  the  paper  which  had  permitted  him 
to  champion  a worthy  cause.  Ten  years  before,  at  the  Union 
League,  he  had  spoken  of  himself  as  “ standing  just  beyond  the 
threshold  ” of  his  career.  Had  he  referred  to  his  progress  now, 
he  might  have  said  that  not  only  had  he  entered  the  house  of  his 
inheritance,  hut  had  mounted  to  its  highest  dome  and  pinnacle. 

Many  of  the  countrj^’s  bravest  defenders  were  gathered  to 
see  honor  done  to  the  man  who  had  labored  in  their  cause.  Gen- 
eral Sherman  could  not  he  there,  but  sent  Nast  a long  letter  of 
congi-atulation.  He  closed  by  saying: 

In  1864,  when  the  existence  of  our  nation,  with  all  its 
cherished  memories,  and  all  its  promises  for  the  future  were 
in  great  peril,  both  political  parties  in  asking  the  votes  of  the 
people  proclaimed  their  devotion  and  eternal  gratitude  to  the 
Army  and  Navy,  then  struggling  for  victory  and  national  per- 
petuity. But  we  have  been  made  to  realize  that  such  promises 
are  easily  forgotten  when  the  danger  is  past,  and  peace  reigns 
supreme.  We  are  more  dependent  on  the  heart  of  our  people 
than  any  other  class  of  public  servants,  and  your  illustrations 
reach  direct  to  the  hear!  of  those  who  look  upon  them;  and 
therefore  our  deep  obligation  to  you.  Should  your  interest  ever 


A TESTIMONIAL  FROM  THE  ARMY  AND  NAVY  409 


carry  you  to  our  frontiers,  you  will  realize  that  you  have  a place 
in  every  heart,  and  a welcome  to  every  military  post  or  camp. 

Truly  yours, 

W.  T.  Sherman. 

Colonel  Henry  himself  was  too  modest  to  he  present,  and  Nast 
wrote  him  a heartfelt  letter  of  thanks,  to  which  the  brave 
soldier  made  a brief  and  characteristic  reply: 

Thomas  Nast,  Morristown,  N.  J.: 

Dear  Sir:  Yours  at  hand.  You  have  no  reason  to  feel  in  debt 
to  the  Army.  They  owe  you  one  they  can  never  repay.  Your 
one  picture  of  a skeleton  soldier,  standing  at  present  anus,  to 
dismounted  cannons,  demolished  fortifications,  etc,,  did  more  to 
mould  public  opinion  in  our  favor  than  bushels  of  letters. 
I am  both  glad  and  proud  to  have  been  the  one  to  suggest 

to  my  brother  officers  what  their 
hearts  already  lu’ompted  them  to 
do. 

I am,  sir. 

Very  truly  yours, 

Guy  V,  Henry, 
Bvt.-Colonel,  U,  S.  Anny. 

There  are  perhaps  not  a hundred 
people  alive  in  the  United  States 
to-day  who  recall  this  tribute  of 
the  nation’s  defenders  to  Thomas 
Nast  or  the  pictures  which  in- 
spired it.  We  are  a vast  and  busy 
nation.  The  curtain  of  the  present 
shuts  closely  on  the  spectacle  of 
the  past.  The  heroes  of  yesterday 
fade  back  into  shadow  land.  Their 
bodies  are  dust,  and  their  deeds,  in 
the  words  of  Sherman,  are  “ easily 

THE  ARMY  AND  NAVY  TESTIMONIAL  forgOtten.” 


CHAPTER  XLVI 

A NOTABLE  RETURN 

General  Grant’s  march  of  tri- 
uinpli  around  the  world  was  re- 
corded here  and  there  by  Nast, 
as  news  came  of  royal  welcomes, 
occidental  and  oriental,  and  of 
the  consideration  everywhere 
accorded  to  the  Ex-President, 
not  only  because  of  his  nation, 
his  former  rank  and  his  military 
genius,  hut  as  a tribute  to  his 
own  simple  personality  and  mod- 
DiFFicuLT  PROBLEMS  SOLVING  THEMSELVES  greatiioss.  It  is  no  wondor 

that  with  such  recognition  from  those  abroad,  and  with  a period 
of  freedom  from  care,  there  should  awake  in  the  bosom  of  the 
soldier  a wish  to  crown  his  homecoming  with  a renewal  of  the 
highest  honor  which  his  own  nation  had  to  bestow.  He  knew 
that  his  triumph  abroad  had  in  a great  measure  vindicated  him 
in  his  own  land;  that  the  charges  and  slanders  which  had 
blighted  his  last  administration  had  well-nigh  died  away,  and 
that  the  priceless  achievements  of  his  long  term  of  public  servdce 
were  once  more  foremost  in  the  public  mind.  With  experience 
he  could  avoid  many  political  snares  and  pitfalls.  He  longed  to 


411 


QUIET  ISSUES  AND  A NOTABLE  RETURN 


redeem  old  errors  by  becoming  once  more  the  “ people’s  serv- 
ant to  give  liis  nation  a final  term— not  only  of  loyal  and 
faithful,  but  of  veteran  service. 

John  Eussell  Young,  who  had  joined  him  in  his  jouniey,  wrote 
to  Nast  concerning  the  General’s  welfare,  and  of  these  aspira- 


tions. In  a letter  dated  “ On 
the  Eed  Sea,  Februarj^  G, 
1879,”  he  said: 


Tlie  General,  ]\Ir.  Borie  * and 
I spent  niost  of  our  time  look- 
ing at  the  waves  and  scheming 
for  a third  term!  1 ! ! 

You  never  saw  such  a 
schemer  as  the  General  is.  lie 
sits  np  hours  and  hours,  late, 
and  schemes.  Don’t  tell  Mr. 

Har))er  about  this — it  will  dis- 
tress him.  . . . 

Tell  J.  “ Brooklyn  ” that 
when  I reach  India  1 will  write 
him  the  sweetest  letter  ho  ever  read,  praising  ever>'  one  around 
Fi-anklin  Square,  and  telling  him  of  a charming  dinner  (Wil- 
liam) Black,  Brunton  and  I had  the  night  before  I left  London, 
and  how  kindly  Black  talked  of  him. 

I left  General  Grant  on  deck  talking  to  his  wife.  He  was 
scheming  for  a third  tenn.  I told  him  I was  coming  down 
stairs  to" write  to  some  people— you  among  them.  The  General 
sent  you  his  kindest  wishes,  and  his  regards  to  J.  W.  II.  Mrs. 
Grant  sent  you  her  love.  Please  do  not  tell  Mrs.  N.  of  this 


EDUCATION.  IS  THEKE  NO  MIDDLE  COUHSE? 


message. 

AYe  think  of  returning  home  in  October. 

Yours  sincerely, 

John  Bussell  Young. 


It  is  likely  that  Nast  was  willing  to  regard  this  letter  through- 
out more  as  jest  than  earnest.  Seeing  the  situation  as  it  was,  he 
preferred  to  lielieve  that  Grant  did  not  really  want  a third  tenn, 
or  that  at  least  he  would  change  his  mind  u])on  his  return;  and 
this,  in  fact.  Grant  was  to  do,  as  we  shall  see  later. 

♦ A.  E.  Borie,  fir.st  Secretary  of  the  Navy  under  Grant. 


412 


THOMAS  NAST 


The  labor  question  was  often  uppermost  in  the  public  mind 
during  the  later  seventies.  Communism  laid  its  blight  upon  in- 
dustry, the  anti-Chinese  movement  in  Califomia  was  accom- 
panied with  riot  and  bloodshed.  ^Meetings  begun  by  Dennis 
Kearney  in  1877,  on  the  open  sand  lot  fronting  the  new  City  Hall 
in  San  Francisco,  had  started  a general  war-cry,  “ The  Chinese 
Must  Go!  ” with  the  result  of  a combination  of  riotous  foreign 
elements  against  the  most  peaceful  and  industrious  of  them  all. 
Nast,  whose  sympathies  were  always  with  the  oppressed,  fought 
hard  and  fiercely  for  the  Celestial  and,  as  well,  for  the  red  man. 
In  a cartoon  published  in  February,  1879,  he  has  them  together. 

“ Pale-face  ’fraid  you  crowd  him  out,  as  he  did  me,”  says  the 
Indian,  and  on  the  dead  wall  behind  is  a caricature  of  the  red 

man  being  driven 
westward  by  the 
locomotive,  and  an- 
other of  the  yellow 
man  trying  to  catch 
the  locomotive  that 
will  l)ear  him  to  the 
east.  Of  course  the 
question  at  once  be- 
came })olitical,  and 
those  statesmen 
who  were  willing  to 
abrogate  the  terms 
of  the  Burlingame 
treaty  in  order  to 
secure  a Chinese 
Exclusion  measure 
were  severely  and 
justly  handled  by 
Nast.  Blaine  was 


IN  THE  MATRIMONIAL  MARKET  AGAIN 
(General  Butler  as  the  widow  of  many  parties) 


QUIET  ISSUES  AND  A NOTABLE  RETURN 


413 


foremost  of  these,  and  was  portrayed  in  a manner  that  made  the 
man  from  Maine  heartsick,  rememhering  that  so  soon  lie  might 
be  before  the  people  as  a national  candidate,  and  that  Nast,  who 
never  yet  in  a campaign  had  been  on  the  losing  side,  might  refuse 
him  his  support.  He  attempted  to  explain  and  to  justify  his 
position,  but  the  artist  could  see  in  the  Chinese  immigrant  only 
a man  and  a brother,  trying  to  make  a living  in  a quiet  and 
peaceful  manner  in  a country  that  was  big  enough  for  all.  The 
Chinese  Exclusion  bill,  introduced  by  INIr.  Wren  of  Nevada, 
passed  both  Houses,  but  was  firmly  and  bravely  vetoed  by  Presi- 
dent Hayes,  who  declined  to  abrogate  a treaty  fairly  made. 
Eventually  a new  treaty  was  concluded  and  Celestial  immigra- 
tion restricted.  This  was  defeat  for  Nast,  but  Blaine’s  political 
bid  for  California  was  one  of  the  things  that  cost  him  the  pres- 
idency of  the  United 
States. 

Mr.  Tilden  still  in 
his  cryptographic 
casing  and  jMr. 

Thunnan  pointing 
out  the  financial 
graveyard  through 
which  the  nation 
had  passed  to  reach 
specie  resumption 
were  the  first  indi- 
cations of  iisual  au- 
tumn stirring  of  the 
political  pulse.  In 
New  York  State 
both  parties  were 
badly  divided,  many 
Republicans  having 


THE  CIVILIZATION  OF  BLAINE 
John  Confucius—**  Am  I not  a Man  and  a Brother  f” 


414 


THOMAS  NAST 


THE  QUESTION  AFTER  THE  NEW  YORK  ELECTION — WHAT  KIND  OF  A TIME  DID  YOU  HAVE? 

deserted  tlie  “ niacliine  ” controlled  by  Conkling,  while  “ Hon- 
est ” Jolin  Kelly  liad  revolted  from  the  element  known  as  the 
Tilden  Democracy,  preferring  to  throw  his  influence  to  the  Ke- 
pnhlican  candidate  for  Governor,  A.  B.  Comell,  than  to  sup- 
port Bohinson,  who  represented  those  still  loyal  to  the  “ Sage 
of  Gramercy.” 

It  is  doubtful  whether  Mr.  Tilden  himself  took  any  very  deep 
interest  in  the  result.  Nast  depicted  him  as  smiling  at  the 
“ monkey-and-])arrot  ” fight  of  Kelly  and  Bobinson,  and  as 
still  smiling  and  saying  “ Bless  you,  my  children,”  when  the 
election  was  over  and  both  Tammany  and  Tilden  Democracy 
had  met  defeat.  Curtis,  in  the  Saratoga  Convention,  still  at  war 
with  Conkling,  had  0])posed  the  nomination  of  Cornell,  and  had 
continued  to  depreciate  him  in  his  editorials,  to  the  discontent  of 
many  readers.  As  a result,  in  the  issue  of  October  25th,  the  pub- 
lishers explained  the  paper’s  position.  It  declared  that,  as  ener- 
getically as  it  had  condemned  unwise  and  unpatriotic  practices  in 


QUIET  ISSUES  AND  A NOTABLE  BETURN 


415 


the  Democratic  ranks,  so  with  equal  force  would  it  resist  the 
evils  developed  hy  his  own  party.  ‘ ‘ Oidy  hy  silence  and  the  slav- 
ish following  of  unwise  and  corrupt  policies  can  any  journal 
purchase  place,  ’ ’ it  said.  ‘ ‘ If  the  success  of  the  Weekly  must  de- 
pend iq)on  such  a sacrifice,  we  would  rather  discontinue  its  puh- 
lication.”  In  the  same  number  Mr.  Curtis  tendered  his  resigna- 
tion as  Chairman  of  the  Richmond  County  Convention.  These 
incidents,  in  themselves  of  no  great  national  importance,  were 
among  the  early  beginnings  of  a dissatisfaction  which  culminated 
in  the  great  ^Mugwump  defection  of  1884.  Nast  had  taken  less 
than  usual  interest 
in  the  four-coniered 
fight,  in  which  there 
had  appeared  little 
principle  beyond 
that  of  office-seek- 
ing. Such  sympathy 
as  he  had  was 
against  the  “ ma- 
chine ” controlled 
1)}^  Conkling,  whom 
he  caricatured  with 
considerable  sever- 
ity, notwithstanding 
the  personal  friend- 
ship between  them. 

Conkling  as  a jack- 
daw with  borrowed 
plumes  was  the  most 
notable  of  these,  and 
was  widely  re- 
marked. 


' COME  INTO  MY  PARLOR,”  SAID  THE  “ BOSS  ” SPIDER  TO 


THE  NEW  YORK  FLY 


41G 


THOMAS  NAST 


chief  event  of  the 
autumn  of  1879  was 
the  return  of  Gen- 
eral Grant  from  his 
trip  around  the 
world.  He  had  been 
absent  for  more 
than  two  years,  dur- 
ing which  he  had  re- 
ceived an  almost 
continuous  ovation 
from  foreign  nations 
and  their  sover- 
eigns. No  American 
abroad  ever  has 
been  so  honored  as 
General  Grant,  and 
no  returning  Amer- 
ican, except  Ad- 
miral Dewey,  was  ever  so  extravagantly  welcomed.  On  Sep- 
tember 20,  1879,  on  the  “ City  of  Tokio,”  the  Ex-President 
arrived  in  San  Francisco  Bay. 

The  entire  city  was  decorated  with  bunting  and  flowers,  while 
the  wild  ringing  of  bells,  the  blowing  of  whistles  and  the  firing 
of  cannons  welcomed  the  hero  to  his  native  land.  “ The  Return 
of  Ulysses,”  was  Nast’s  allegorical  presentation  of  this  episode. 

There  had  been  nothing  partisan  in  Grant’s  welcome  home. 
The  feeling  with  which  he  was  greeted  was  one  of  universal 
pride,  and  a ])atriotic  desire  to  pay  tribute  to  a great  commander. 
It  was  as  an  echo  from  the  closing  days  of  the  war,  when  all  that 
we  knew  of  Grant  was  that  he  had  given  us  victory. 


BORROWED  PLUMES — MR.  JACKDAW  COXKLING 
Eagle-*'  Perhaps  you  would  like  to  pluck  me.” 


CHAPTER  XLVII 

CHRONICLES — DOMESTIC  AND  POLITICAL 

“ Another  stocking  to  fill  ” was  the  Christmas  greeting  of 
1879-80.  The  picture  showed  Santa  Claus  bending  over  the  crib 
of  the  “ new  baby  ’’—the  new  baby  being  a late  arrival  in  the 
Nast  household,  the  first  for  eight  years.  It  was  a hoy  this  time, 
Cyril,  born  August  28,  1879,  and  it  is  said  that  the  baby  in  the 
crib  is  a true  likeness,  while  the  features  of  Santa  Claus  are  not 
unlike  those  of  the  proud  and  happy  father. 

The  new  baby  completed  the  family,  and  with  the  beginning  of 
1880  the  fortunes  of  the  Nast  household  had  reached  their  high- 
est point.  The  artist  still  owned  the  Harlem  property,  which 
had  a valuation  of  thirty  thousand  dollars,  the  price  for  which 
it  was  eventually  sold.  He  had  accumulated  another  sixty  thou- 
sand dollars  in  Government  securities,  while  the  beautiful  Mor- 
ristown home  and  its  rare  contents  were  all  his  own.  Solely  by 
the  combined  work  of  head  and  hands,  the  young  man  who  less 
than  twenty  years  before  had  begun  married  life  with 
an  unpaid-for  j)iano,  had  acquired  no  less  a fortune  than 
one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  dollars— an  amount  con- 
sidered rather  large  in  that  day.  Well  for  him  if  he  had  re- 
mained content  with  his  success,  doing  such  work  as  agreed  with 
his  convictions,  living  on  such  income,  whatever  it  might  be,  as 
his  work  and  investments  provided.  Not  that  his  income  had 


27 


418 


THOMAS  NAST 


appreciably  decreased,  for  it  still  averaged  considerably  more 
than  twenty  tlionsand  dollars  a year— five  thousand  of  which 
was  the  annual  retainer  from  Harper  Brothers,  while  something 
more  than  an  equal  amount  came  from  his  securities.  The  re- 
mainder was  the  additional  received  for  drawings,  and  while  it 
had  become  somewhat  less  than  it  had  been  prior  to  the  death  of 
Fletcher  Haiq)er,  it  was  still  a very  considerable  sum,  and  suffi- 
cient to  many  needs. 

But  the  artist  grew  ever  more  restive  as  he  found  it  more  diffi- 
cult to  express  himself  fully  in  the  pages  so  long  identified 
with  his  individual  utterances;  and  the  idea  of  a paper  of  his 
own— an  endowed  jounial  in  which  eveiy  man  who  had  some- 
thing to  say,  and  the  ability  and  courage  to  say  it— a paper  un- 
controlled by  any  party  or  ]iolicy— became  more  and  more  a 
dream  which  he  resolved  to  make  real. 

But  those  to  whom  he  spoke  of  an  endowed  paper,  while  they 
frequently  expressed  enthusiasm,  were  reluctant  to  invest  in  such 
an  enterprise.  Theoretically  it  seemed  a good  idea.  Commer- 
cially it  did  not  appear  2)romising.  With  a total  lack  of  business 
judgment  himself,  the  artist  was  inq)atient  with  these  kindly  but 
financially  reluctant  friends,  and  resolved  to  acquire  through 
si^eculative  investments  sufficient  capital  eventually  to  start  the 
paper  on  his  own  account.  For  the  money  itself  he  did  not  care, 
beyond  the  comforts  that  it  would  buy.  Ilis  sole  desire  for  in- 
creased fortune  was  that  he  might  undertake  the  publica- 
tion of  a journal  wherein  he  could  do  battle  for  those 
social  and  political  reforms  which  seemed  to  him  so  needful 
in  the  city  and  nation  of  his  adoi)tion.  Two  things  he  did  not 
realize.  First,  that  the  i-)ublic— so  much  larger,  wealthier  and 
less  primitive  than  in  those  days  following  the  Civil  War— had 
grown  careless  of  reform  and  preferred  to  be  entertained— that 
the  time  for  a paj:)er  of  the  sort  he  dreamed,  if  it  had  not  gone  by, 
was  at  least  rapidly  waning.  Second,  he  did  not  understand  that 


CHRONICLES— DOMESTIC  AND  POLITICAL 


41!) 


HIGH  in  tliG  ^uisG  of  fiiGiidsliip  coiilcl  SGGk,  for  tliGir  own  j^Gtty 
profit,  to  clivGst  him  of  his  hard-GariiGcl  savings.  Liko  his  old 
liGi-o,  Garibaldi,  1ig  was  a iiiastGr  in  his  own  fiold— a fiold  of 
action  and  of  honor.  Also  likG  Garibaldi,  1ig  was  guilGlGss  and 
Gasily  playGd  upon  l)y  thosG  who  through  friondship  won  thoir 
way  to  his  confidGncG  or  appoalod  to  his  moral  and  patriotic 
impulsGs.  TliG  iGsson  of  his  childhood— iGarnod  of  tliG  pot  lamb 
in  tliG  field  back  of  Landau— he  had  long  since  forgotten.  He  re- 
membered only  that  once,  through  a friend’s  advice,  he  had 
})ought  the  Harlem 
lot,  which  as  an  in- 
vestment  had 
turned  out  well. 

Other  friends— some 
of  them  men  whom 
he  had  known  for 
years— learning  that 
he  wished  other 
profitable  invest- 
ments, now  brought 
him  this  and  that 
opportunity  — a 
mine,  perhaps,  a 
patent,  or  a railroad 
undertaking  — until 
within  a single  year 
he  had  distributed  a 
large  part  of  his 
savings— those  pre- 
cious Government 
securities— into  va- 

STRANGER  things  have  happened 

rious  channels,  al-  bayard— ■* now  on,  and  vmi  may  walk  over  the slugg-lshanimal  up 

' there  yet.” 

lui’lTl  O'  st  I‘Ornn<?  nf  cartoon  the  Donkey  and  Elopliant  symbols  first  appear  together, 

C’  .11  1,1  MU')  ut  bearing  their  respeetive  labels) 


420 


THOMAS  NAST 


Pactohis  that  sparkled  by  and  brought  uo  retuniing  tide. 
He  did  not  lament  over  these  earlier  losses.  He  had  earned 
the  money  once— he  could  do  so  again.  Xeither  did  he  learn  wis- 
dom, or  become  distrustful  of  mankind  in  general.  It  was  only 
at  last  in  his  final  years,  when  the  day  of  his  power  and  for- 
tunes had  passed  by,  that  he  ever  became  suspicious— and,  some- 
times, as  may  be  readily  supposed,  even  of  those  who  wished 
his  welfare  and  were  his  friends  in  truth.  It  is  one  of  the  curious 
phases  of  human  perception  that  this  man,  whose  eyes  rarely 
failed  to  penetrate  a public  sham,  was  likely  to  be  sadly  lacking 
i7i  his  estimate  of  personal  friends. 

In  Harper’s  "Weekly  the  presidential  year  opened  with  the 
attempted  adjustment  of  an  election  complication  in  Maine. 
The  matter  is  of  no  general  importance  now,  but  it  resulted  then 
in  a personal  protest  to  Nast  from  Senator  Blaine,  who  had  been 
caricatured  as  a “ plumed  ” Indian,  seeking  to  straighten  out 
matters  with  a war-club.  As  already  mentioned,  Blaine  had  been 
deeply  humiliated  by  the  Chinese  cartoons,  to  which  he  could 
make  no  satisfactorj"  answer.  Xow,  it  seemed  to  him,  he  might 
protest  with  reason,  for  he  had  gone  to  Maine  in  an  attitude  of 
peace  rather  than  of  war. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  Jan.  31,  1880. 

My  Hear  Mr.  Xast: 

I am  perhaps  as  willing  a victim  as  ever  was  caricatured 
for  the  entertainment  of  the  public.  But,  of  course,  I do  not  like 
to  be  totally  and  inexcusably  misrepresented  on  an  important 
issue.  Having  spent  seventy  anxious  days  and  nights  in  i\Iaine, 
for  the  express  ])ur])ose  of  settling  all  our  troubles,  without 
violence  or  the  slightest  infractions  of  the  law,  I do  not  quite 
see  the  justice  of  painting  me  as  an  Indian  with  a war-club, 
anxious  to  strike  and  only  jirevented  by  the  interposition  of 
George  Chamberlain.  I would  be  glad  as  a matter  of  mere  per- 
sonal curiosity  to  leani  any  fact  or  rumor  or  hearsay  that  justi- 
fied you  in  thus  ]iresenting  me.  If  I was  ever  widely  known  for 
any  public  act  or  policy,  it  was  for  precisely  the  reverse  of  that 
which  you  present. 


CHRONICLES— DOMESTIC  AND  POLITICAL 


421 


I have  always  had  a strong  belief  in  yonr  sense  of  right 
and  justice,  and  I leave  you  to  do  what  seems  meet  and  proper 
in  your  e5’es.  Very  sincerely, 

J.  G.  Blaine. 

■What  reply  Nast  made  is  not  recorded,  but  concerning  the 
cartoon  it  may  be  said  that  it  was  less  effective  and  individual 
than  any  preceding  work,  very  unlike  Nast  in  idea,  and  it  is  pos- 
sible that  Blaine  did  not  complain  without  reason. 

Senator  Daniel  W.  Voorhees,  of  Indiana,  the  “ Tall  Sycamore 
of  the  Wabash,”  began  to  make  his  appearance  in  the  cartoons  of 
79  and  ’80  as  a silver  statesman,  and  later  we  find  him  repelling 
the  exodus  from  the  South  of  colored  laundresses  who  have  ad- 
vanced upon  the  “ great  unwashed  ” Democracy  of  his  own 
state. 

It  was  about  this  time  that  Henry  II.  Lamb,  Acting  Bank 
Superintendent,  be- 
gan to  look  into  the 
matter  of  savings- 
banks  voting  large 
gifts  and  salaries  to 
trustees,  and  mak- 
ing other  illegal  and 
unnecessary  use  of 
funds.  In  the  course 
of  his  investigations 
Supe  r i n t e ndent 
Lamb  found  a copy 
of  Nast’s  letter  of 
resignation,  written 
in  18()9,  and  applied 
to  him  for  further 
particulars.  Nast  re- 
plied, giving  addi- 
tional details.  AVith 


THE  INVASION  OF  INDIANA 


422 


THOMAS  NAST 


this  letter  and  such 
other  “ inside  ” in- 
formation as  he 
could  get  hold  of 
]Vrr,  Lamb  began  his 
crusade  for  Savings 
Bank  Eeforin. 

The  result  was  a 
decided  upheaval  in 
this  particular  finan- 
cial quarter.  Nast’s 
letter  of  ten  years 
before  was  printed, 
and  presently  sup- 
plemented with  an- 
other, which  was 
likewise  given  to  the 
press.  In  the  AVeek- 
ly  of  Afarcli  6,  1880, 
Xast  further  hel])ed 
the  cause  with  a car- 

GREENBACK  THE  WEAVER  tOOll,  whicll  SllOWed 

the  persistent  and  imperturbable  “ Lamb  ” mounted  on  a large 
Bank  safe  with  a pack  of  angry  wolves  leaping  up  from  below 
in  an  effort  to  destroy  the  official.  It  was  one  of  the  many  curious 
coincidences  of  Nast’s  life  that  the  letter,  written  out  of  a heart’s 
conviction  so  long  ago,  should  have  sent  a voice  down  through 
the  years  to  awake  at  last  an  echo  of  refonn. 

Perhaps  one  of  the  best  of  the  early  pictures  of  this  political 
year  was  a caricature  of  Congressman  J.  B.  AVeaver,  of  Iowa, 
who  several  months  later  was  to  become  the  Greenback  Party 
candidate  for  the  ])i*esidency.  Air.  AVeaver  had  })repared  certain 
inflation  resolutions  which  he  wished  to  introduce  to  the  House, 


CHRONICLES— DOMESTIC  AND  POLITICAL 


423 


and  wliicli  Speaker  Randall  persistently  refused  to  note.  He  de- 
clined to  “ reco^iize  ” ]\Ir.  AVeaver,  who  as  persistently  arose 
in  his  place  to  obtain  a hearing,  Nast  cartooned  him  in  the  im- 
personation he  had  applied  to  so  many  (that  of  “ Bottom  ”) 
and  “ Greenback,  the  Weaver,”  appeared  as  an  imposingly  lu- 
dicrous figure,  upon  which  the  back  of  the  Speaker  was  tunied. 

When  the  paper  came  out.  Weaver  folded  a copy  of  it  with  his 
resolutions,  and  appeared  in  his  place  as  usual.  He  explained 
good-naturedly  to  the  Speaker  that  he  did  not  object  to  being 
cast  for  the  part  of  a donkey,  but  pointed  out  the  fact  that  the 
cartoon  offended  in  that  the  Speaker  had  never  yet  tinned  his 
back  on  him.  Speaker  Randall  smiled.  lie  was  quite  willing 
to  converse  with  the  Gentleman  from  Iowa,  while  declining  to 
recognize  him  in  the  parliamentaiy  sense. 

“ The  chair  in  discharging  its  duty  is  unmindful  of  any  criti- 
cism of  that  sort,”  he  said. 

The  antics  of  joy  displayed  by  “ Greenback,  the  Weaver,” 
when  finally  he  was  recognized,  was  the  sequel  to  this  hit  of  na- 
tional comedy. 


WBOA'-GREE.VBACR  THE  WEAVER 

0«  fr»M>c  4el3sbt  kt  b«u^  rtcojnUwl  bj  tU  Spnker  utd  Uw  iaflkUd  Dcnocrtuc  B<«*« 


ClIAPTEK  XL VIII 

THE  GREAT  CONVENTION  OF  1880 

As  the  national  conventions 
drew  on,  the  political  situation 
became  more  clearly  defined.  On 
the  Republican  side  there  was  a 
very  large  element,  led  by  Ros- 
coe  Conkling,  John  A.  Logan, 
and  Senator  J.  D.  Cameron  of 
Pennsylvania,  who  were  eager 
in  their  desire  to  elect  General 
Grant  to  the  Presidency  for  a 
n.1  Sepnblicu  uujxwl  «iil  mrrj  IL  third  term.  The  St.  Louis 

Globe-Democrat  had  long  printed  a daily  column  headed, 
“ Grant  in  1880,”  and  a number  of  other  leading  journals 
East  and  "West  had  accorded  with  the  idea.  Another  im- 
])ortant  element,  of  which  George  'William  Curtis  was  a factor, 
opposed  such  a nomination  on  the  ground  that  the  possibility  of 
a third  tenn  for  any  man  would  alienate  many  voters.  They 
argued  that  there  were  many  other  ” strong  ” men,  of  whom 
Secretary  John  Sherman  of  Ohio  was  by  no  means  the  least  de- 
sirable. Nast,  being  loyal  to  Grant,  refused  to  support  any 
editorial  expression  against  him — a fact  which  aroused  com- 
ment and  inspired  poetry.  He  also  declined  to  support  Blaine 


THE  GREAT  CONJ'ENTION  OF  1880 


425 


in  event  of  liis  nomination,  and  in  order  that  this  might  be 
fully  recorded  he  proceeded  to  caricature  most  severely  the 
“ Plumed  Knight  ” on  the  eve  of  the  Convention,  portraying  him 
as  the  “magnetic  man  ” who  had  attracted  many  undesirable 
j)olitical  features;  also  as  being  decorated  with  many  objection- 
able plumes.  Nast  was  not,  however,  an  ardent  advocate  of 
the  third  tenn  idea,  believing  it  to  be  better  on  the  part  of  Grant 
to  let  well  enough  alone.  Grant  himself,  in  1875,  had  said: 

I would  not  accept  a nomination  unless  it  should  come 
under  such  circumstances  as  to  make  it  an  imperative  duty, 
circumstances  not  likely  to  arise. 

That  such  circumstances  had  not  arisen,  he  must  have 
realized,  for  under  date  of  May  2d  he  wrote  Conkling  a long 
personal  letter  in  which  he  said: 

I fear  that  the  presentation  of  my  name  at  the  conven- 
tion would  not  only  assist  in  the  defeat  of  Mr.  Blaine,  but 
seriously  affect  your  future,  besides  warping  my  career.  Even 
should  I be  nominated,  it  could  only  come  after  a spirited  con- 
test into  which  much  bitterness  would  be  injected;  and  then  I 
doubt  if  I could  be  elected. 

The  letter  contained  a plea  for  reconciliation  between  Conkling 
and  Blaine,  and  closed  as  follows: 

I am  generous  enough  to  suffer  myself  rather  than  to  have 
my  friends  suffer,  if  I am  convinced  that  any  action  of  mine 
would  cause  them  to  suffer. 

This  indicated  an  entirely  changed  sentiment  from  that  sug- 
gested in  the  letter  written  to  Nast  by  John  Russell  Young,  “ On 
the  Red  Sea,”  a year  earlier.  Evidently  General  Grant  had 
awakened  to  the  insubstantiality  of  his  dream  and  the  unwisdom 
of  attempting  to  make  it  real.  That  he  allowed  himself  to  be 
re-convinced,  or  at  least  re-persuaded,  resulted  in  one  of  the 
regrettable  chapters  of  our  political  history. 

The  Republican  National  Assembly  convened  at  Chicago, 
June  2d,  though  for  many  days  the  clans  and  their  leaders  had 


426 


THOMAS  NAST 


been  gathering  anti  conspiring  for  their  various  candidates. 
Some  of  the  greatest  men  of  the  nation  were  present  at  this 
historic  meeting— tlie  foremost  orators  and  politicians,  the  most 
eminent  leaders  in  parliamentary  tactics.  No  other  national  con- 
vention lias  ever  shown  a more  brilliant  display  of  history 
makers  than  the  one  which  gathered  at  Chicago  during  those 
early  days  of  that  memorable  June. 

Conkling  of  New  York  and  Gai*field  of  Ohio  were  the  rec- 
ognized leaders  of  the  two  great  opposing  forces.  Senator 
Conkling  led  those  who  were  united  for  Grant,  the  “ stalwart 
three  hundred  ” who  unwaveringly  supported  their  hero  to  the 
end.  General  Garfield  had  come  to  Chicago  merely  as  leader  of 
the  Ohio  delegation  for  Shennan,  but  was  promptly  recognized 
as  being  the  ablest  of  those  who  opposed  Grant,  and  his  victory 

over  Conkling  in  a 
brief  debate  on  the 
third  day  of  the  con- 
vention won  him  the 
favor  of  the  assem- 
blage. 

Never  in  the  his- 
tory of  American 
politics  has  there 
been  a struggle  to 
compare  with  that 
which  took  place  at 
the  National  Con- 
vention of  1880.  The 
Grant  organization, 
under  the  lead  of 
Roscoe  Conkling, 
fought  every  move 
and  contested  every 


THE  GREAT  CONVENTION  OF  1880 


427 


inch  of  ground  that  promised  a possible  loss  to  their  candidate. 
Tlie  work  of  the  Committee  on  Credentials  was  a long  and  ardu- 
ous labor.  A full  four  days  were  spent  in  the  various  preliminar- 
ies of  organization,  and  it  was  not  until  the  aftenioon  of  the  fifth, 
which  fell  on  Saturday,  that  the  platform  was  reported,  and 
it  was  Saturday  night  that  nominating  speeches  were  made. 

The  night  session  was  an  occasion  to  stir  even  the  oldest 
veteran  of  politics.  ]\[en  who  had  been  through  every  national 
battle  of  our  fiercest  political  period  were  aroused  and  eager 
for  the  onset.  The  vast  convention  hall  aflare  with  lights  was 
crowded  with  spectators,  and  enthusiasm  had  reached  a pitch 
where  outbreak  was  akin  to  madness. 

James  G.  Blaine,  once  more  a candidate  for  national  favor, 
was  the  first  to  be  placed  in  nomination  by  i\Ir.  Joy  of  INIichigan. 
Thousands  in  that  convention  wanted  an  opportunity  to  vote 
for  Blaine,  and  they  welcomed  his  name  with  a mighty  demon- 
stration. Then  Koscoe  Conkling  arose  to  offer  the  name  of 
Grant. 

In  an  instant  the  New  York  statesman  was  caught  as  in  a 
ver}'  cyclone  of  applause.  For  several  minutes  he  stood  there, 
while  it  whirled  and  rioted  and  tossed  up  and  down  that  vast 
multitude  which  without  regard  to  policy  or  candidate,  remem- 
bered only  that  he  was  about  to  present  America’s  foremost 
citizen  and  soldier,  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  It  seemed  indeed,  as 
Conkling  had  predicted,  that  the  name  of  Grant  would  carry 
the  convention  l)y  storm.  The  handsome,  brilliant  senator  from 
New  York  smiled  approval  and  waited  for  the  lull.  It  came, 
at  last,  and  he  said: 

"When  asked  what  state  he  hails  from, 

Our  sole  reply  shall  be 
“ lie  came  from  Ap])omattox 
And  its  famous  apple-tree!  ” 

Again  he  was  lifted  and  silenced  by  a great  outbreak  of 
emotion.  Then  followed  one  of  Conkling ’s  splendid  oratorical 


428 


THOMAS  NAST 


efforts,  and  had  the  balloting  begun  at  its  close  Grant  might 
indeed  have  been  home  in  on  the  high  tide  of  patriotism  that 
swept  and  billowed  over  the  great  assembly. 

But  General  Garfield,  with  calm  and  logical  mind,  rose  and 
quelled  the  seething  waters.  Somewhere  between  stonn  tide  and 
low  ebb,  he  said,  there  was  a quiet  level  of  safety.  Then  having 
allowed  the  great  throng  to  subside  a little,  he  nominated  John 
Sherman  in  a masterly  speech  which  made  a deeper  and  more 
lasting  impression  than  Conkling’s  magnificent  flight  of  oratory. 

The  speeches  that  followed  were  less  notable.  The  names 
of  Senator  Edmunds,  Elihu  B.  "Washbum,  and  William  Windom 
were  all  presented,  and  it  was  close  upon  midnight  when  the 
session  adjourned. 

The  balloting,  which  began  on  Monday  morning,  showed  304 
votes  for  Grant;  284  for  Blaine,  and  93  for  Sherman.  Other 
candidates  were  honored  in  lesser  measure,  and  one  vote  was 
recorded  for  Garfield.  In  spite  of  Conkling,  the  New  York 
delegation  was  divided,  nineteen  members  under  the  lead  of 
William  H.  Robertson  having  voted  for  Blaine.  Then  followed 
twenty-seven  ballots,  during  which  the  “ three  hundred  ” rallied 
again  and  again  about  their  old  commander,  and  it  was  not  until 
Tuesday  morning,  on  the  thirty-fourth  ballot,  that  sixteen  votes 
from  Wisconsin  for  Garfield  showed  the  break  in  the  opposing 
forces,  the  end  of  which  would  be  defeat  for  Grant. 

On  the  announcement  of  the  result  of  this  ballot.  General  Gar- 
field promptly  rose  and  addressed  President  Hoar,  who  regarded 
him  with  some  trepidation  and  considerable  sternness. 

“ For  what  purpose  does  the  gentleman  rise?  ” he  asked. 

“ I rise  to  a question  of  order,”  replied  Garfield. 

” The  gentleman  from  Ohio  rises  to  a question  of  order.” 

General  Garfield  then  challenged  the  correctness  of  the  an- 
nouncement. 

“ No  man,”  he  said,  ” has  a right,  without  consent  of  the 


THE  GREAT  COM’EXTION  OF  1880 


42!) 


person  voted  for,  to  announce  that  person’s  name  and  vote  for 
him  in  this  convention.  Such  consent  I have  not  given ” 

President  Hoar  promptly  interrupted  him  at  this  point. 

“ The  gentleman  from  Ohio  is  not  stating  a question  of  order,” 
he  said.  ” He  will  resume  his  seat.  No  person  having  received 
a majority  of  the  votes  cast,  another  ballot  will  be  taken.  The 
clerk  will  call  the  roll.” 

There  was  now  a general  break  of  the  anti-Grant  delegates 
for  Garfield,  who  received  399  votes  on  the  thirty-sixth  ballot, 
the  stalwarts,  their  number  increased  to  306,  remaining  loyal  to 
Grant. 

A wave  of  Garfield  enthusiasm  now  rolled  over  the  assembly. 
Banners  were  seized  and  waved  above  the  head  of  the  successful 
candidate,  who  pale  and  dazed  sat  as  one  half  stupefied. 

On  motion  of  Senator  Conkling  the  nomination  of  General 
Garfield  was  made  unanimous,  and  on  the  first  ballot  for  Vice- 
President,  as  a concession  to  Conkling  and  his  stalwarts,  Chester 
A.  Arthur,  of  New  York,  was  chosen.  The  greatest  of  conven- 
tions had  ended.  At  last  General  Grant  had  met  defeat. 

Note:  In  his  “Autobiography  of  Seventy  Years”  Senator  Hoar  confesses  his 
great  admiration  for  General  Garfield,  and  in  relating  the  incident  of  the  latter’s 
protest  in  the  convention,  states  that  he  (Hoar)  purposely  interrupted  him  for  fear 
Garfield  might  say  something  which  would  “ make  his  nomination  impossible.”  To 
Senator  Hoar,  therefore,  is  due  the  honor  of  having  “ made  a President.”  It  may 
be  for  these  reasons  that  the  good  senator  in  his  chapter  on  the  Credit  Mobilier 
fails  to  mention  Garfield,  except  to  include  his  name  on  Ames’s  list  of  those  to 
whom  the  stock  was  to  be  offered.  Yet  General  Garfield’s  relation  to  this  unfortu- 
nate episode  was  identical  with  that  of  Schuyler  Colfax  whose  “ disingenuousness  ” 
and  “ untruthful  story  of  the  transaction  ” Mr.  Hoar  does  not  fail  to  point  out.  Both 
Colfax  and  Garfield  owned  Credit  Mobilier  stock,  and  both  failed  to  confess  the  fact 
before  the  Committee  of  Investigation.  The  single  difference  seems  to  have  been 
that  Garfield  made  a statement  of  general  denial  and  then  remained  silent,  while 
Colfax  continued  to  protest  his  innocence.  Senator  Hoar  still  further  states  that  Col- 
fax died  soon  after  his  term  of  office  had  expired,  and  suggests,  at  least  by  implica- 
tion, that  this  event,  like  the  death  of  Ames  and  Brooks,  was  hastened  by  disgrace. 
As  a matter  of  fact,  Ames  and  Brooks,  as  we  have  seen,  died  immediately  after  the 
investigation  in  1873.  Schuyler  Colfax  did  not  die  until  twelv'e  years  later  (January 
13,  ISSfi),  and  was  no  less  honored  than  General  Garfield  in  private  life. 


CPLVPTEPv  XLIX 
“tariff  for  revenue  only” 

The  Democratic  situation  in  1880  was  coini)licated  liy  the  fact 
tliat  Mr.  Tilden  had  to  be  disjiosed  of;  for  Avliile  no  one  believed 
that  he  could  he  elected,  a failure  to  nominate  him  would  be 
an  acquiescence  in  the  electoral  decision  of  1870,  or,  what  was 
worse,  a confession  that  he  had  been  unduly  associated  with 
the  attempted  purchase  of  the  Retuniing  Boards.  The  cipher 
disclosures  had  alienated  almost  the  entire  body  of  independents, 
who  had  su])ported  the  Democratic  ticket  in  1870,  as  well  as  the 
Tammany  legion  under  the  lead  of  John  Kelly,  who  still  avowed 
that  he  jireferred  the  election  of  a Republican  candidate  to  that  of 
Mr.  Tilden.  The  “ Sage  of  Gramercy  Park  ” had  preseiwed  no 
standing  whatever  as  a Reform  candidate.  Indeed,  in  1880,  to 
have  coupled  his  name  with  Reform  would  have  e.xcited  only 
derision.  It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  that  even  had  Tilden  in 
some  manner  obtained  the  nomination,  the  i>ossibility  of  his 
election  would  have  been  exceedingly  remote. 

Rumors  of  iUr.  Tilden ’s  intended  withdrawal  came  from  time 
to  time,  to  the  great  joy  of  Tammany,  and  Xast  depicted  Kelly 
with  an  ear  trumpet  to  the  lips  of  the  “ Mummy,”  calling  upon 
him  to  declare  it  “ Louder!  Louder!  Louder ! ” 

^fr.  Tilden  did  so  declare  it,  a few  days  prior  to  the  con- 
vention in  a letter  declining  the  nomination,  much  to  the  relief 


“TARIFF  FOR  RErEXUE  ONLY” 


431 


of  the  eutire  party.  Samuel  J.  Kandall,  of  Pennsylvania;  Senator 
Bayard,  of  Delaware,  and  General  Winfield  Scott  Hancock,  of 
Governor’s  Island,  were  the  foremost  remaining  candidates. 

The  Democratic  National  Convention  met  at  Cincinnati, 
.Tune  22,  and  reached  a decision  without  delay.  Its  platfonn 
was  a declaration  of  “ Tariff  for  Revenue  Only,”  and  contained 
a severe  denunciation  of  the  decision  against  i\[r.  Tilden  in  1876, 
though  the  convention  carefully  failed  to  disregard  his  letter 
of  withdrawal  and  nominate  him  by  acclaim. 

On  the  first  ballot  General  Hancock,  who  had  been  a presi- 
dential candidate  as  far  back  as  1868,  when  he  had  been  used 
as  a stalking  horse  for  the  capture  of  Seymour,  received  171 
votes;  Bayard  153 J,  and  so  down  the  list  to  Mr,  Tilden,  whose 
number  was  38.  The  convention  adjourned  to  combine  next  day 
on  General  Hancock, 
with  William  II. 

English,  of  Indiana, 
for  second  place.  It 
had  been  an  orderly 
and  uneventful  epi- 
sode, and  the  choice 
of  General  Hancock 
was  regarded  as 
wise. 

The  result  of  the 
Republican  Conven- 
tion had  been  a dis- 
a])pointment  to 
Thomas  Nast.  He 
h ad  hoped,  of 
course,  for  the  suc- 
cess of  Grant.  He 

p 1 ^ , +1  “ IT  IS  WHISPERED  AGAIN  THAT  TILDEN  HAS  GHTiN  IN  ” 

iKld  lOcllOd  lOl  tll0  The  Hon.  John  KKLLY—*‘Loi«ier.' Louder n LOUDER!!!” 


432 


THOMAS  NAST 


success  of  Blaine.  He  would  have  been  satisfied  with  any  one 
of  several  other  candidates,  hut  he  had  not  counted  on  the 
success  of  Garfield.  His  “ Credit  Mobil  ier  ” cartoon  of  May 
15,  1873,  had  expressed  his  sentiments  conceniiug  those  impli- 
cated in  that  disastrous  exposure,  and  he  had  seen  no  reason 
for  a change  of  convictions.  He  greatly  admired  General  Gar- 
field’s ability  and  statesmanship,  and  he  was  loyal  to  the 
party  represented  by  the  Ohio  nominee.  He  would  work  for 
that  party,  as  hitherto,  but  he  declined  to  introduce  the  Repub- 
lican candidate  into  any  of  the  pictures. 

With  the  nomination  of  Hancock,  his  difficulties  were  more 
complicated  than  before.  General  Hancock  was  one  of  his  friends 
and  heroes.  He  had  fought  bravely  through  two  wars,  and  had 
distinguished  himself  on  many  fields  of  conquest.  His  record 
was  that  of  a splendid  soldier,  a thorough  gentleman,  an  upright 
and  lovable  man.* 

“ I hear  you  are  very  fond  of  General  Hancock?  ” was  said  to 
Xast,  when  the  news  came  that  the  hero  of  Churubusco,  Antietam 
and  Gettysburg  was  likely  to  be  the  convention’s  choice 

“ The  man,  yes;  his  party,  no,”  the  cartoonist  replied  with 
some  feeling. 

He  wrote  his  troubles  to  Grant,  congratulating  him  on  being 
out  of  it  all,  urging  him  to  come  to  New  York  to  review  the 
situation.  But  Grant  had  had  enough  of  politics.  He  replied 
from  Galena,  June  26th: 

Dear  ^Ir.  Nast: 

I have  your  letter  of  the  23d.  You  had  better  devour  the 
proposed  luncheon  and  get  another  ready  sometime  in  November. 
I start  next  Thursday  for  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  may  remain 
all  summer.  At  all  events,  I have  no  intention  of  going  blast 
until  after  the  November  election.  As  you  say,  I am  “ out  of 
the  Wildeniess,”  and  I feel  much  relieved  thereat.  But  I don’t 

* General  Sherman  once  said  of  Ilaneoek,  “ If  you  will  sit  down  and  write  the 
best  thing  that  ran  he  put  into  language  about  General  Hancock  as  an  officer  and  a 
gentleman,  I will  sign  it  without  hesitation.” 


r 


“TARIFF  FOR  REFENUE  ONLY”  433 

see  liow  you  are 
there.  1 would  like 
very  much  to  see 
you,  hut  unless  you 
take  a run  to  Color- 
ado, or  come  out 
here  after  iny  re- 
turn, I do  not  see 
how  this  is  to  he  be- 
fore fall.  If  you 
come  here  bring 
Mrs,  Xast  with  you. 

Mrs.  Grant  would  be 
glad  to  see  you  both. 

Give  her  and  the 
children  iny  love. 

Mrs.  Grant  would 
return  hers,  hut  she 
is  not  yet  up. 

Very  truly  vours, 

U.  S.^Grant. 

Perhaps  to  relieve 
hiinself,Xast  opened  boom  m!— so  near,  and  yet  so  far 

S.  J.  T.— “ By  Jupiter ! can’t  they  understand  a joke  ? Catch  me  believing  in 

the  campaign  with  Ughtnmg-rods  again!” 

another  caricature  of  James  B.  Weaver,  who  with  B.  J.  Cham- 
bers, of  Texas,  had  received  the  “ Greenback  ” nomination. 
“ Greenback  the  Weaver  ” seemed  fair  game,  and  one  could  at 
least  laugh  at  the  vagaries  of  this  midsummer  night’s  dream. 
Tilden’s  letter  of  withdrawal,  a “ lightning  rod  ” that  had  failed 
to  attract  the  nomination,  was  likewise  a mental  explosion  which 
helped  to  clear  the  air  and  harmed  nobody. 

But  at  this  point  trouble  began,  A cartoon  showing  a general 
surrender  of  the  various  Democratic  elements  to  the  brave  and 
soldierly  General  Hancock  was  rejected  at  the  Harper  office,  and 
briefly  strained  relations  were  the  result.  There  was  to  be  no 
continued  break,  however.  A compromise  was  effected  whereby 
Xast  was  to  attack  party  princii)les  without  severe  caricature 
of  the  Democratic  leader,  and  to  leave  Gaiffield  out  of  the  car- 


2S 


434 


THOMAS  NAST 


toons  altogether.  It  was  upon  tliis  basis  that  the  campaign  was 
conducted— an  arrangement  requiring  skill  on  the  part  of  the 
artist,  Avith  the  result  that  most  of  the  pictures  were  notable 
rather  for  their  delicacj"  than  for  the  customary  fierce  vigor. 

As  the  campaign  proceeded,  the  Harpers  were  not  altogether 
satisfied  with  this  idea,  and  engaged  other  illustrators  to  help 
out  with  the  cartoons.  Gillam,  AVorth,  Tlmlstrnp,  AVoolf  and 
liogers  were  tried  with  vaiwing  results.  They  were  all  young 
ca])able  men,  hut  Xast  had  been  so  long  the  i)olitical  cartoonist 
of  Harper’s  that  the  public  did  not  then  receive  their  work 
kindly,  and  the  press  began  to  comment  on  the  fact  that  Xast  was 
“ no  longer  allowed  full  SAving. ” General  Garfield’s  Credit  Mo- 
bilier  association  had,  of  course,  been  recalled,  and  the  papers  did 
not  fail  to  remember  Xast’s  cartoon  on  the  subject.  Xeither  did 
they  fail  to  explain  at  great  length  just  why  the  Kepuhlican  can- 
didate failed  to  appear  in  Xast’s  present  drawings.  Then  half  of 


SHIRKING  THE  FEAT. 


the  big  Credit  Mo- 


hilier  cartoon — the 
end  which  showed 
the  A'ictims  of  that 
conspiracy — was  re- 
jirinted  by  the  Dem- 
ocratic managers, 
AA’ith  names  carefully 
put  under  each  fig- 
ure, and  this,  with  a 
fac-siniile  of  the 
IlaqAer  title-head 
and  columns  of 
newspaper  com- 
ments on  the  iuA^es- 
tigation,  was  uni- 
A'ersally  circulated 


NAST  CARTOONED  BY  PUCK  IN  1880 
Nast— “ I went  through  that  Ring  in  1873;  but  I cau’t  go  througli  it 
again.  I am  not  that  kind  of  a Jim  Nast.” 


"TARIFF  FOR  REVENUE  ONLY" 


435 


as  a campaign  docu- 
ment. The  stir  that 
this  made  was  such 
that  for  a time  it 
would  seem  as  if  the 
situation  in  Frank- 
lin Square  was  of 
more  importance 
than  the  national 
contest.  The  Har- 
per’s Weekly  candi- 
d a t e being  d e - 
stroyed  by  one  of  its 
own  pictures,  was 
something  to  make 
its  enemies  rejoice 
and  temporarily  for- 
get the  larger  issue. 

The  added  fact  that 
Nast  continued  to 
ignore  the  Kepubli- 
can  candidate  was 
an  added  source  of 
gratification.  Puck  cartooned  the  situation,  caricaturing  Nast  as 
a bare-back  rider  on  a rocking-horse,  blanketed  with  Harper’s 
Weekly.  He  points  to  the  Republican  “ Ring,”  which  he  is  ex- 
pected to  leap  through,  and  says: 

“ I went  through  that  ring  in  1878,  but  I can’t  go  through 
it  again.  I am  not  that  kind  of  a Jim  Nast.” 

Eventually  Mr.  Curtis  found  it  necessary  to  explain  the  paper’s 
position,  and  to  announce  as  he  had  done  six  years  before,  that  its 
real  views  were  to  be  found  in  its  editorial  columns.  Some  of  the 
Republican  papers  that  had  been  devoted  admirers  of  Nast,  now 


GENERAL  INSPECTION. 


GENERAL  HANCOCK  AND  GENERAL 
VACANCY 


436 


THOMAS  NAST 


took  occasion  to  annonnce  that  he  never  had  been  much  of  an  art- 
ist any  way.  One  excited  adherent  of  Oarfield  declared  that  there 
were  at  least  a “ thousand  better  cartoonists  than  Tom  Nast,” 
a statement  which  would  seem  to  have  been  unnecessarily  large. 

Yet  Nast  by  no  means  failed  to  strike  blows  for  his  party. 
On  August  28  appeared  a double  page  of  General  Hancock, 
regarding  sadly  the  burial  field  of  the  Confederate  dead  at 
Gettysburg,  “ The  silent  (Democratic)  Majority,”  whose  “ votes 
he  would  miss  on  election  day.”  It  was  a striking  picture, 
showing  as  it  did  the  fine  dignity  of  the  Northem  general  who 
had  fought  so  well,  now  thoughtfully  considering  the  section 
where  he  must  look  for  his  chief  support.  Hancock,  perhaps 
not  gi'asping  it  fully  at  first  sight,  said,  “ That  i^icture  will  elect 

not  regard  it  as  an 
argument  in  his  fa- 
vor, while  Wade 
Hampton’s  declara- 
tion in  a speech  at 
Staunton,  Virginia, 
that  General  Han- 
cock represented  the 
principle  for  which 
Lee  and  Jackson 
had  battled  four 
years,  proved  so  un- 
fortunate that  a de- 
nial was  considered 
necessary.  The  tiger 
during  the  cam- 
paign of  1880  was 
represented  as  an 
emaciated  beast 
star\dng  for  office. 


me.”  But  men  studying  it  carefully  did 


THE  EMPTY  PAIL 
Pat— “ Wlicre’e  the  dinner  ? ” 

Wipe— “ Ahl  since  yc’vc  had  stiddy  wurrk,  haven’t  ye  had  splindid 
dinners  ? and  now  ycr  always  talking  about  change,  change,  change,  and 
sure  I thought  I'd  give  ye  wan.” 


" TARIFF  FOR  REJ'EXUE  ONLY 


43' 


TliG  Septeinl)er  election  in  Maine  was  discouraging  to  the 
Ivepuhlicans.  Though  hy  a verj^  slight  majority,  the  State  went 
Democratic,  which  was  thought  to  foreshadow  the  national 
result.  Both  parties  now  brought  every  resource  into  play. 
That  tariff  was  fully  discussed — more  fully  discussed  than  un- 
derstood— and  became  almost  the  single  issue  of  the  campaign. 
Democratic  speakers  declared  that  high-tariff  meant  fortunes 
for  the  rich  at  the  expense  of  the  workingmen,  while  Bepuhlican 
orators  avowed  that  “ Tariff  for  Kevenue  only  ” meant  destruc- 
tion to  home  industries  and  ruin  to  labor.  Democracy  insisted 
that  a “ change  ” was  necessary,  while  its  opponents  held  that 
experiments  were  dangerous  and  that  no  “ change  ” was  needed. 
On  October  16  the  “ Workman’s  Empty  Dinner  Pail  ” was 
introduced  by  Nast,  to  show  a possible  change  which  the  laborer 
would  not  be  likely 
to  relish.  It  has 
been  said  that  this 
picture  was  the  most 
effective  Kepublican 
argument  put  for- 
ward during  the 
campaign. 

As  election  day 
drew  near  the  battle 
in  Ohio  and  Indiana 
became  very  fierce. 

General  Grant  for- 
got that  he  had  gone 
to  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains until  Novem- 
ber, and  Senators 
Conkling  and  Platt 

of  New  York,  who  the  republican  pachyderm  alive  and  kicking 


THOMAS  NAST 


4:J8 

had  hitherto  remained  inactive,  were  conciliated  tlirongh  Arthur 
in  a manner  whicli  will  develop  later.  Accompanied  l)y  Grant, 
Conklinj?  made  a personal  canvass  of  the  doubtful  territoiy.  The 
result  was  marked  hy  Eepuhlican  victories  at  the  State  elections, 
and  the  tide  had  turned. 

General  Hancock,  alas,  proved  as  unskilled  at  politics  as  he 
had  been  great  in  battle.  Tariff  arguments  bored  him.  When 
he  discussed  the  question  he  declared  it  to  he  a “ local  issue”  and 
made  otherwise  so  disastrous  an  attemj)t  that  Senator  Randolph, 


"*  LOCAL  ormioM* 
^imo  u r*urr.  axd  vdt  o mm  roi 


u*wii  osirr 


“ TARIFF  FOR  REVENUE  ONLY  ” 


439 


of  New  Jersey,  wrote  to  know  if  he  had  not  been  incorrectly  re- 
ported. Nast’s  cartoon  of  General  Hancock  asking  Eandolph, 
‘‘  "Who  is  Tariff  and  why  is  he  for  Kevenue  Only?  ” expressed  so 
exactly  the  unfortunate  soldier’s  difficulties  that  everybody, 
regardless  of  party,  laughed. 

Democracy  was  now  reduced  to 
desperate  measures.  Conspira- 
tors, one  of  whom  was  afterwards 
sentenced  to  a term  of  imprison- 
ment, concocted  the  celebrated 
“ IMorey  Letter,”  a document 
pur])orting  to  have  been  written 
by  General  Gaiffield  to  one  myth- 
ical H.  L.  jMorey,  of  Lynn,  INfassa- 
chusetts.  In  it  the  writer  de-  __  __ 
dared  in  favor  of  cheap  labor,  the  demochatic  party  should  retain 
and  assumed  an  attitude  en-  its  organization 

tirely  at  variance  with  the  party  doctrines.  This  letter,  though 
a rather  clever  forgery,  was  instantly  exposed,  but  not  before  it 
had  obtained  universal  circulation  as  a campaign  document, 
and  the  sanction  of  the  Democratic  managers  and  press.  Coming 
at  so  late  a date,  it  is  said  to  have  cost  the  Kepublican  candidate 
a number  of  electoral  votes,  though  not  enough  to  result  in  his 
defeat. 

The  returns  gave  214  electors  to  Garfield  as  against  155  secured 
for  the  Democratic  candidate.  Well  for  Hancock  that  he  had 
failed.  Like  Grant  he  would  have  found  the  hordes  at  Washing- 
ton harder  to  combat  than  had  been  those  at  Gettysburg.  Nast 
closed  this  political  episode  with  a fine  tribute.  The  defeated 
candidate  sits  bowed  and  gazing  into  the  fire,  while  the  spirit 
of  Columbia,  her  hand  laid  lightly  on  his  shoulder  is  saying: 

“ No  change  is  necessary.  General  Hancock;  we  are  too  well 
satisfied  with  your  brave  record  as  a Union  soldier.” 


CIIAPTIOli  L 


A NATIONAL  FEUD  AND  A TRAGEDY 

During  the  campaign  of  1880,  process  reproduction  had  largely 
taken  the  place  of  the  old  hand-engraved  block.  Drawings  were 
now  made  on  paper  and  reproduced  by  a photo-chemical  process. 
Nast’s  hand  did  not  immediately  accommodate  itself  to  the 
change  from  the  soft  pencil  and  smooth  hard  surface  of  the  box- 
wood to  the  pen,  ink  and  yielding  paper  of  the  new  way.  Also, 
there  was  the  idea  of  reduction  to  be  considered— of  drawing 
larger  than  the  picture  was  to  appear  when  published— and  the 
chemical  engraving  jirocess  was  still  far  from  perfect.  Often 
the  acid  bit  into  the  lines,  leaving  them  hard  and  harsh,  some- 
times altogether  destroying  the  more  delicate  touches.  For  a 
time  there  was  what  seemed  to  be  a falling  off  in  the  quality 
of  the  cartoonist’s  work.  Journals  that  had  opposed  his  views 
did  not  fail  to  wax  critical,  to  assert  that  Nast’s  hand  had  degen- 
erated, that  he  could  no  longer  draw,  that  his  day  was,  in  fact, 
over. 

But  whatever  grounds  there  may  have  been  for  these  adverse 
opinions  would  seem  to  have  vanished  by  the  beginning  of  the 
new  year,  for  the  holiday  drawings  were  never  so  good— not 
only  in  spirit  but  in  technique— and  were  reproduced  by  the 
London  papers,  who  realized  that  English  as  well  as  American 


442 


THOMAS  NAST 


children  had  a special  affection  for  the  merry  Santa  Clauses 
of  Thomas  Nast. 

Politically,  the  opening  months  of  1881  were  not  especially 
interesting,  at  least  not  from  the  pictorial  point  of  view.  For- 
eign complications  over  the  Suez  Canal  and  the  anti-Jewish  agi- 
tation in  Germany  were  matters  only  slightly  noted  by  the  great 
American  multitude.  At  home  there  were  the  usual  complaints 
against  public  officials,  who  may  never  hope  to  please  while 
^ human  nature  is  em- 

bodied in  human 
clay. 

But  if  there  pre- 
vailed a general 
quiet  among  the 
public  at  large,  there 
was  also  a mighty 
quiver  of  expecta- 
t i o n amid  the 
hordes  of  office- 
seekers  who  had 
flocked  to  Washing- 

PCACEn71»  NEUTRAUTT.  . • -i  • 

The  Po*.lioi»  ol  EugUfid  .Bd  oo  0.«  UmI  tOll  111  rOtlQlIlGSS 

for  the  presidential  change.  Four  years  of  Hayes  and  Civil 
Service  had  proved  a severe  trial  to  the  great  unqualified,  who 
were  now  ravenous  for  place  and  rabid  in  their  demands. 

There  existed  a belief  that  Gaiffield  would  dispense  patronage 
somewhat  after  the  ancient  fashion — that  to  those  who  had 
helped  to  reap  the  victory  would  be  allotted  a share  of  its  fniits, 
not  to  say  spoil.  It  was  understood  that  certain  pledges  had 
been  given— it  was  taken  for  granted  that  assurances  more  or 
less  positive  had  been  distributed  with  a liberal  hand.  The 
Stalwarts,  under  Conkling  and  Platt,  with  the  aid  of  Grant,  had 
rendered  incalculable  service  in  the  doubtful  states,  and  while 


A NATIONAL  FEUD  AND  A TRAGEDY 


443 


JIOW  THEY  EXPECT  TO  GET  ON  A SOUND 
FOOTING 


GIVE  THE  RED  MAN  A CHANCE 


tlie  terms  of  the  bargain  were  not  known,  it  was  assumed  that 
nothing  short  of  tlie  New  York  state  patronage  would  be  ac- 
cepted by  its  senators  as  their  reward. 

On  the  other  hand,  tlie  so-called  Half-Breeds,  who  had  been 
responsible  for  Garfield’s  nomination  and  formed  the  larger  por- 
tion of  his  following,  were  not  to  he  gainsaid  in  their  claims  or 
put  off  in  their  demands.  The  circumstances  of  his  election  made 
the  new  President’s  position  difficult— more  difficult  than  was 
generally  realized— and  whatever  may  have  been  his  higher 
qualifications,  and  doubtless  they  were  many,  he  lacked  that 
breadth  of  jiolitical  understanding  and  diplomacy  without  which 
the  conditions  were  certain  to  result  in  embroilments  and  did  lead 
to  tragedy. 

The  friends  of  Garfield  were  early  concerned  for  his  wel- 
fare. Knowing  the  man,  and  the  bitterness  of  the  factions  with 
which  he  must  deal,  they  advised  extreme  caution.  x\n  old  class- 
mate—a man  in  the  foremost  rank  of  American  letters— wrote, 
urging  him  to  make  Civil  Servdce  Refonn  his  safeguard.  Gar- 
field replied  that  he  believed  in  the  Civil  Service  idea,  but  that 


444 


THOMAS  NAST 


*arw  TORS  O*  a few  tears  from  now  “OiLS  DCJ7TSCHB  TATSR1*AND*  IS  ABOTB  CRXnClSMr 

(A  prophecy  of  1881)  *•  1 wiU  cut  you  into  small  pieces  if  you  say  dem 

mean  tin^  a(?ain  I '* 


certain  things  seemed  to  him  “ expedient  ” and  therefore  neces- 
sary. Yet  Garfield  would  appear  to  have  been  the  last  man  to 
carrj'  out  a policy  of  expediency.  From  the  beginning  it  seemed 
his  purpose  to  humiliate  the  men  who  had  saved  him  the  doubt- 
ful States.  His  appointment  of  Blaine  as  Secretary'  of  State 
was  a mortal  offence  to  Conkling,  and  was  regarded  with  dis- 
favor even  by  friends  of  both  the  President  and  the  Maine  Sena- 
tor. Senator  Dawes  warned  Blaine  that  his  position  in  the 
Cabinet  would  be  a detriment  to  the  Administration  and  to  his 
own  career. 

The  selection  of  Charles  J.  Folger  of  New  York  for  the  Treas- 
ury ])ortfolio  in  opposition  to  Conkling’s  earnest  advocacy  of 
Levi  P.  Morton  did  not  improve  matters,  and  though  Folger 
declined  the  appointment  the  New  York  senators  were  not  ap- 
peased. "VYhen  it  became  known  that  Thomas  L.  James,  for- 
merly postmaster  in  New  York  City,  had  been  chosen  for  the 
position  of  Postmaster  General,  Conkling  and  Platt,  in  company 
with  Vice-President  Arthur,  called  at  Garfield’s  apartment  in 
the  Biggs  House,  where  Conkling,  in  a furious  hurst  of  anger, 
charged  the  President  with  unfaithfulness  to  his  word  and  dis- 


A NATIONAL  FEUD  AND  A TRAGEDY 


445 


loyalty  to  his  party.  That  the  President’s  course  had  been 
directed  by  Conkling’s  deadly  enemy,  Blaine,  cannot  be  doubted. 
That  the  President  had  opened  the  way  to  a charge  of  bad  faith 
is  equally  certain.  The  four  men  in  that  room  knew  precisely 
what  the  terms  with  the  Stalwarts  had  been,  and  Conkling  spoke 
by  the  card.  His  rage,  violent  and  unseemly  as  it  must  have  ap- 
peared, was  politically  just.  To  one  of  those  who  listened — 
Chester  A.  Arthur — the  President’s  repudiation  of  contract 
meant  a soitow  and  a humiliation  which  would  go  with  him  to 
his  grave;  and  of  this,  later,  we  shall  leam  as  from  his  own  lips. 

Conkling ’a  wild  outbreak  did  not  advance  his  cause.  He 
stormed  and  threatened,  while  Garfield  sat  stubborn  and  un- 
yielding, though  filled  (as  were  all  present)  with  gloomy  fore- 
boding as  to  the  outcome. 

The  feud  grew  and  alarm  spread  through  the  party.  It  began 
to  look  as  if  the  old  Republican  organization,  which  had  been 
the  outgrowth  of  a 
great  national  issue, 
was  itself  to  go  to 
wreck  in  a tempest 
of  civil  strife.  AVhen 
the  President 
named,  as  Collector 
of  the  Port  of  New 
York,  AVilliam  H. 

Robertson,  leader  of 
the  nineteen  dele- 
gates who  had  op- 
posed Grant  at  Chi- 
cago, the  furj"  of 
Conkling  rose  to 
heights  that  were 
really  appalling. 


44G 


THOMAS  NAST 


A committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  meet  and  discuss  the 
matter  with  him.  Conkling  ai)peared  before  this  committee 
and  in  his  own  marvellous  manner  recited  his  wrongs.  Later, 
the  chairman,  Senator  Dawes,  said:  “ He  surpassed  himself  in  all 
those  elements  of  oratorical  j)Ower  for  which  he  was  so  distin- 
guished. . . . lie  continued  for  two  hours  and  a half  to 

])lay  with  consummate  skill  upon  all  the  strings  known  to  the 
orator,  and  through  all  the  notes,  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest, 
which  the  gi’eat  masters  command.” 

Conkling  ended  by  declaring  that  he  had  in  his  pocket  a letter 
written  by  the  President  which  he  prayed  to  God  he  might  never 
be  compelled  in  self-defence  to  make  i)ublic.  “ But,”  he  cried, 
“ if  that  time  shall  ever  come  I declare  to  you,  his  friends,  he 
will  bite  the  dust!  ” 

The  letter  in  question  was  one  addressed  by  Garfield  to  the 
Chairman  of  the  Congressional  Committee,  Ilubbell.  It  began, 
“ My  Dear  Ilubbell,”  and  contained  an  inquiry  as  to  the  prog- 
ress of  the  campaign  assessments,  including  those  from  govern- 
ment employees.  From  a political  point  of  view  it  was  not,  at 
this  period,  thought  especially  reprehensible,  and  Gai'field’s 
friends  urged  him  to  forestall  Conkling  with  its  publication. 
This  he  did  not  do,  though  its  appearance  later  added  little  to  the 
disorder  and  scandal  which  already  prevailed.  Further  efforts 
were  made  to  reconcile  Conkling  and  the  President,  but  without 
success.  General  Grant  undertook  to  mediate,  but  to  no  purpose. 
Conkling  would  agree  to  nothing  short  of  complete  surrender  and 
the  fulfillment  of  what  he  held  to  be  the  tenns  of  agreement. 
Arrogant,  brilliant  and  vainglorious,  he  believed  he  could  rule 
or  ruin  his  party,  and  it  is  maintained  by  those  most  nearly 
related  to  him  that  Senator  Platt  encouraged  him  in  this  belief. 
On  May  16,  as  a final  dramatic  coup,  he  resigned  his  seat  in  the 
Senate,  believing  his  state  would  indorse  his  action,  and  rebuke 
the  Administration  by  triumphantly  restoring  his  seat.  Senator 


A NATIONAL  FEUD  AND  A TRAGEDY  447 


Platt  also  resigned,  thus  eaniing  the  sobriquet  of  “ Me  too,” 
urhich  he  uras  to  hear  through  life.  Neither  was  returned.  Two 
Half-Breeds,  Mamer  Miller  and  E.  C.  Laphani,  were  chosen, 
and  Conkling  retired  to  private  life.  Platt,  patient,  suave  and 
skilled  at  intrigue,  hided  his  time— making  and  unmaking  public 
officials — to  be  returaed  to  the  Senate  in  1891).* 

During  the  beginning  of  the  part}'  difficulties  Nast  had  said 
but  little.  Factional  quarrels  seldom  appealed  to  him. 

In  May,  however,  while  the  fight  over  Eobertson  was  still  on, 
he  gave  vent  to  his 
feelings  in  a picture 
of  Conkling  and 


Blaine  tugging  in 
opposite  directions 
at  the  Presidential 
Chair.  A little  later, 

Conkling  as  a bell- 
weather,  with  Platt 
as  the  tail,  conies 
galloping  back  to 
New  York,  with  this 
line  of  advice  below, 

“ Let  him  alone, 
now  he’s  come 
home,” 

For  whatever 
ni  ay  have  been 
Nast’s  disgust  with 

..  ..  THE  SPOIL-ED 

^ ion  as  a York  (meanfn^&u«)?ics»);*‘I  know  what  you  do  want!* 


* Roscoe  Conkling  was  a great  lawyer,  and  President  Arfluir,  in  1882,  offered  him  a 
place  on  the  Supreme  Rench,  which  he  declined,  lie  was  a talented,  spectacular 
strong-headed  man.  He  was  also  a patriot,  and  it  is  to  his  credit  that  he  made  no 
money  out  of  politics.  He  died  in  the  great  blizzard  of  1888,  and  his  statue  stands  to- 
day in  Madison  Square. 


448 


THOMAS  NAST 


whole,  he  could  not  hut  disapprove  of  the  Conkliug-Platt 
deteniiination  to  control  or  destroy  the  party  because  of  a per- 
sonal grievance.  Conkling  and  Platt  as  two  unruly  boys  about 
to  be  chastised  significantly  follows  this,  and  then  that  great 
cartoon  series,  so  often  used  since  in  idea,  the  “ Lost  Head.” 
The  first  of  these  was  a small  picture,  showing  Conkling  walking 
proudly  away  from  the  Capitol,  his  head  lying  behind  him  in  the 


A NATIONAL  FEUD  AND  A TRAGEDY 


449 


road— a street  gamin  trying  to  attract  the  Senator’s  attention  to 
his  loss.  In  the  next  picture,  General  Grant,  who  had  returned 
from  Mexico  for  the  purpose,  is  making  a futile  effort  to  set  the 
lost  head  in  its  proper  place.  The  body  of  Conkling  stands  stiffly 
erect,  and  Grant  cannot  reach  high  enough  to  put  the  head  in 
place.  Xo  line  was  put  under  this  picture,  but  immediately  after 
its  publication,  an  up-state  editor  wrote  to  the  artist  that  his 
little  girl,  seeing  the  picture  over  his  shoulder,  had  remarked: 

“ Papa,  why  doesn’t  he  stoop  a little?  ” 

Certainly  no  title  could  have  been  more  appropriate,  and  this 
childish  comprehension  of  his  idea  pleased  the  cartoonist  more 
than  all  the  notice  which  the  picture  had  attracted. 

But  far  more  at- 
tention and  vastly 
more  condemnation 
was  aroused  by  a 
picture  which  ap- 
peared on  the  first 
of  July.  Matters 
by  this  time  had  be- 
come sufficiently  dis- 
turbing. The  breach 
in  the  party  was 
widening  every  mo- 
ment and  the  hope 
of  reconciliation  was 
waning  dim.  It  be- 
came known  that 
Vice-President  Ar- 
thur had  recently 
made  a trip  to  Al- 
bany to  see  Conk- 0UT-“  SHINING  ” EVERYBODY  IN  HUMILIATION  AT  ALBANY 
and  Platt  sup-  “I<lidnotcntta«eyou,  vice-president  Akthvr,  to  do  this  kind  of  work.” 

^ ^ (See  also  reference,  page  486) 


29 


450 


THOMAS  NAST 


posedly  for  the  puqjose  of  winning  them  back  to  the  Admin- 
istration. Nast  launched  a protest  in  one  of  his  severest  car- 
toons. “ Out-‘ shining’  Everybody  in  Humiliation  at  Albany  ” 
showed  the  Vice-President  polishing  the  shoes  of  Conkling  and 
Platt.  It  naturally  awoke  a stonn  of  denunciation  from  such 
journals  as  had  a grievance  against  Nast,  regardless  of  party. 
Yet  the  picture  was  eminently  true.  Arthur  had  been  humiliated 
to  a degree  which  Nast,  then,  did  not  even  guess.  As  had  hap- 
pened so  many  times,  he  had  pictured  better  than  he  knew. 

The  picture  was  the  more  disturbing  because  of  what  immedi- 
ately followed  its  appearance,  for  on  Saturday,  July  2,  came  the 
tragic  end— the  assassination  of  President  Gai’field  by  Charles 
J.  Guiteau,  a crack-brained  office-seeker,  whose  disordered  intel- 
ligence had  been  over-wrought  by  party  difficulties  and  dissen- 
sions. Doubtless  he  began  by  believing  that  the  life  of  Garfield 
stood  between  him  and  political  appointment.  His  statements 
indicated  that  he  had  persuaded  himself  that  Gai’field ’s  removal 
was  necessarj^  to  the  preservation  of  the  party.  Later  he  claimed 
that  the  Lord  had  commanded  him  to  commit  the  deed.  He  pro- 
fessed to  be  a “ Stalwart  of  Stalwarts.” 

“ I am  a Stalwart  and  want  Arthur  for  President,”  he  said 
when  arrested. 

He  was,  in  fact,  a wretched  human  creature  of  debased  and 
deformed  intellect. 

Nast  had  been  none  too  friendly  to  Gai-field,  but  the  tragedy 
appalled  him  and  filled  him  with  sorrow.  He  portrayed  Liberty 
with  two  stains  at  her  threshold.  A smaller  picture  was  entitled, 
“ The  Biggest  Blot  on  Our  Spoils  System — Office  or  Death.” 

Anxious  days  followed.  A whole  nation  forgot  all  feuds  and 
bickerings  in  waiting  for  bulletins  that  told  of  a strong  man’s 
battle  for  life. 

As  the  summer  waned  it  became  evident  that  the  President 
could  not  surv’ive.  Nast’s  cartoon,  a fine  double  page,  entitled, 


A NATIONAL  FEUD  AND  A TRAGEDY 


451 


AFTER  ALL. 

DE'>riTE  the  prayers  and  tears  and  earnest  pleading, 
And  piteous  protest  o'er  a hero's  fall. 

Despite  the  hopeful  signs  our  hearts  misleading. 
Death  cometh  after  all! 

Over  the  brightest  scenes  are  clouds  descending; 

The  flame  soars  highest  ere  its  deepest  fall; 

The  glorious  day  has  ail  too  swift  an  ending: 

Night  cometh  after  all! 

O'er  bloom  or  beauty  now  in  our  possession 
Is  seen  the  shadow  of  the  funeral  pall ; 

Though  Love  and  .Life  make  tearful  intercession. 
Death  cometh  after  all! 


God  Save  the  President,”  was  published  but  a few  daj'S  before 
the  end,  which  came  September  19.  A front  page,  entitled, 
“ After  All,”  was  a noble  expression  of  the  nation’s  grief. 

George  "William  Curtis  in  his  editorial  estimate  of  Garfield 
says,  “ He  was  a statesman  much  more  than  he  was  a party 
leader  ”— a conclusion  which  is  likely  to  stand  the  test  of  time. 


LIVE  AND  LET  LIVE  IN  RUSSIA  (Barnum  and  Jumbo) 


CHAPTER  LI 

THE  DAAVN  OF  REFORM 

The  administration  of  President  Arthur  did  not  begin  aus- 
piciously. The  circumstances  of  his  nomination  and  of  his  suc- 
cession were  against  him  in  the  hour  of  his  inheritance. 
Nor  were  his  record  and  his  affiliations  regarded  with  favor. 
Under  Hayes  he  had  been  removed  from  the  office  of  Collector 
of  the  Port  of  New  York  on  the  grounds  that  his  methods  in  the 
Custom  House  had  been  political  rather  than  businesslike.  He 
was  regarded  as  an  excellent  gentleman,  with  a weakness  for 
his  friends.  Reckoned  as  an  ally  of  Conkling,  then  in  deep  dis- 
favor, he  had  been  fiercely  caricatured  and  criticised,  as  we  have 
seen.  Curtis,  in  an  editorial  more  or  less  sympathetic,  referred 
to  him  as  “ an  amiable  gentleman,  long  engaged  in  practical 
politics,  with  no  administrative  experience  except  such  as  he 
acquired  as  Collector  of  the  Port.”  The  fact  that  he  had  main- 
tained a demeanor  that  was  at  once  discreet,  dignified  and  deli- 
cate, through  all  the  trying  weeks  of  Garfield’s  illness,  was  the 
one  thing  which  the  majority  of  the  press  had  to  say  in  his 


THE  DAWN  OF  REFORM 


453 


behalf.  Nast  greeted  him  with  an  emblematic  cartoon,  in  which 
Justice  confers  on  him  the  sword  of  power,  with  the  admonition 


that  he 


“ Use  the  same 
With  the  like  bold,  just  and  impartial  spirit 
As  you  have  done  against  me.” 


To  which  Arthur  replies: 

‘ ‘ The  tide  of  blood  in  me 
Hath  proudly  flowed  in  vanity  till  now; 
Now  doth  it  turn  and  ebb  back  to  the  sea.” 


The  new  President’s  brief  inaugural  address  made  a good 
impression.  It  was  modest  and  sympathetic  and  awakened  in 
the  American  people  that  responsive  sympathy  which  is  the  first 
step  toward  confi- 
dence. Nast  never 
again  found  cause 
to  criticise  Arthur, 
and  eventually  be- 
came his  loyal  ad- 
mirer and  friend. 

The  administra- 
tion of  President  Ar- 
thur proved  to  be 
one  of  the  most  dig- 
nified, careful  and 
upright  in  our  his- 
tory. Painless,  firm- 
ness and  calmness 
were  his  executive 
attributes.  The  men 
who  had  scoffed  and 
railed  at  him 

learned  to  honor  his  the  queen  of  industry;  or,  the  new  south 


454 


THOMAS  NAST 


integrity  and  to  respect  liis  attainments.  AVe  have  only  to  recall 
the  succession  of  Andrew  Johnson— under  conditions  somewhat 
different,  it  is  true,  though  scarcely  less  trying— to  realize  the 
debt  of  gratitude  this  nation  owes  to  Chester  A.  Arthur. 

Yet  the  autumn  elections  of  1881  did  not  bespeak  favorable 
conditions.  There  was  a general  “ scratching  ” and  “ bolting 
— a shattering  of  old  idols,  the  upbuilding  of  new.  Every  word 
and  act  of  the  President  were  regarded  as  significant.  It  was 
prophesied  that  the  usual  fate  of  Vice-Presidents  who  succeed 
the  Chief  ^Magistrate  would  overtake  him.  It  was  not  until  his 
annual  message  in  December  that  the  tide  really  turned  in  his 
favor.  It  was  a moderate  document,  full  and  clear,  and  distin- 
guished for  its  elegance  of  diction.  Feuds  and  factions  which 
had  threatened  to  wreck  a party  and  disgi’ace  a nation  were— for 
the  time  at  least— relegated  to  the  background.  The  new  year 
opened  with  the  imblic  eye  directed  at  Congress  rather  than 
toward  the  President. 

During  1882  the  work  of  Nast  became  somewhat  less  positive 
than  heretofore.  It  became  more  the  semi-critical  pictorial  com- 
ment of  to-day  than  a distinct  and  dominating  force.  More  and 
more  the  policy  was  absorbing  the  individual,  and  with  an  out- 
reach that  was  circumscribed,  and  an  uncertainty  as  to  the 
acceptance  of  his  work,  which  now,  as  in  the  days  of  his  earliest 
employment,  was  critically  considered  and  debated  upon,  the 
time  had  come  which  five  years  before  Parton  had  foreseen, 
when  he  wrote,  “ That  feeling  of  doubt  would  paralyze  your 
arm  in  another  than  the  physical  sense.” 

It  was  not  that  his  work  was  less  apj^reciated  by  his  publish- 
ers, or  that  the  relations  betwen  them  were  less  cordial.  A 
connection  which  had  endured  for  twenty  years  had  become 
something  more  than  a mere  matter  of  business.  The  younger 
Harper  families  and  the  family  of  Xast  had  grown  up  almost  as 
one.  They  constantly  visited  back  and  forth  and  the  intimacy 


THE  DAJrX  OF  REFORM 


455 


between  tliem  was  that  of  blood  relationship  and  genuine  affec- 
tion. The  difficulty  lay  in  the  fact  that,  as  the  new  times  were 
not  the  old  times,  so  the  new  conditions  were  not  the  old  condi- 
tions; the  new  publishers  were  not  the  old  publishers;  the  new 
cartoonist  must  become  iiaid  of  a policy  where  the  old  car- 
toonist had  been  an  individual  and  a leader  of  men.  His  eareer 
had  begun  so  early  in  life  that  he  had  lived  to  see  the  old  order 
change  while  he  was  yet  in  the  full  bloom  of  manhood  and 
power.  It  was  difficult  for  him  to  comprehend  the  situation  or  to 
consider  it  fairly.  lie  grew  ever  more  restive  under  the  re- 
straints, and  dreamed  more  continuously  of  the  newspaper  which 
was  to  be  his  own,  and  free.  He  had  been  an  autocrat  and  a 
leader  so  long— so  firmly  sustained  and  so  surely  vindicated— 
that  he  had  no  doubt  of  his  ability  to  continue  his  success  on  the 
old  lines.  lie  yielded  with  poor  grace  to  this  new  order  of 
things  which  was  to 
make  him  but  a part 
of  a vast  complex 
mechanism,  the 
whole  kept  in  mo- 
tion and  whirled  and 
driven  by  a resistless 
tide  of  events.  Nei- 
ther did  he  doubt 
that  eventually  some 
of  the  money  which 
he  had  invested,  and 
continued  to  invest 
as  fast  as  it  accu- 
mulated, would  re- 
turn to  him  in  great 
increase,  when  all 

would  be  well  again,  the  “tall  sycamore’’  handling  the  British  lion 


456 


THOMAS  NAST 


The  Star  Eoute  investigations  and  prosecutions  ■which  had 
been  dragging  through  courts  and  committee  rooms  came 
prominently  to  the  fore  in  1882.  These  Koutes  were  mail  lines, 
indicated  on  the  postal  maps  by  a star,  leading  to  points  not 
reached  by  the  railways.  Mail  to  these  points  was  cairied  by 
vehicle  or  on  horse-back.  A ring  of  officials  controlled  the  con- 
tracts for  payment  of  the  carriers,  and,  somewhat  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  old  Tweed  transactions,  arranged  to  have  such  con- 
tracts drawn  for  amounts  from  five  to  ten  times  the  cost  of 
ser\dce.  The  bills  were  allowed  and  the  profits,  which  ran  into 
millions,  were  divided — just  as  the  bills  of  every  ring  have  been 
allowed  and  allotted  and  will  continue  so  to  be  until  the  millen- 
nium’s dawn. 

These  frauds  had  been  known  for  some  time  and  when  Post- 
master General  James  took  charge  of  his  department  he  declared 
that  he  would  push  the  prosecutions  regardless  of  whom  they 
might  involve.  Thomas  "W.  Brady,  Second  Assistant  Postmaster 
General,  was  charged  with  being  i)arty  to  the  Star  Route  trans- 
actions. He  was  defiant,  and  announced  that  he  would  publish  a 
“ Hubbell  ” letter  written  by  Garfield  unless  the  prosecution  was 
brought  to  a close.  Brady  declared  Gaiffield  had  meant  that  be- 
sides obtaining  “ voluntary  contributions  ” from  the  Government 
employees  he  was  to  get  funds  from  the  Star  Route  contractor. 
Brady’s  trial  was  postponed  and  he  was  not  convicted.  Ex-Sen- 
ator  Stephen  W.  Dorsey  of  Arkansas  was  likewise  supposed  to  be 
a prominent  offender,  and,  among  others,  was  indicted  for  con- 
spiracy. Colonel  Robert  G.  Ingersoll  believed  Dorsey  innocent  of 
the  charge  and  became  his  counsel.  It  has  been  claimed  that  Col- 
onel Ingersoll  received  large  sums  for  his  services.  On  the  con- 
trary, he  received  nothing  whatever,  but  lost  a veiy  considerable 
amount  through  indorsing  the  notes  of  the  men  he  defended.  He 
was  severely  criticised,  however,  and  the  caricaturists,  Nast 
among  them,  had  their  way  with  him.  In  one  of  Nast’s  pictures 


GIUSEPPE  GAHIBALDi;  DIED  AT  CAPRERA,  JUNE  2,  1882 


458 


THOMAS  NAST 


the  “ Stars  ” are  asking:  “ AVliat  shall  we  do  to  be  saved! 
and  Colonel  Ingersoll,  with  a copy  of  a book  entitled  “ There  Is 
No  Hell,”  replies,  “ Head  This.”  “ But  I fear  it  may  be  made 
hot  enough  for  us  here,”  answers  the  “ Star,”  looking  toward 
the  penitentiary.  Whatever  the  tnith  may  have  been,  the  ver- 
dict finally  rendered,  June,  1883,  was  not  guilty  as  indicted. 

Perhaps  the  most  important  picture  of  1882  was  a page  in  com- 
memoration of  the  life  and  career  of  Garibaldi.  At  his  island 
home,  Caprera,  on  June  2,  the  boy  artist’s  first  great  hero, 
Garibaldi  the  Liberator,  reached  the  end  of  his  tumultuous  jour- 
ney. He  had  lived  to  see  his  great  work  accomplished,  and  died 
belov’ed  and  honored  of  all  men.  He  had  made  mistakes,  but 
they  were  errors  of  judgment,  never  of  intent.  During  his  final 
5’ears,  his  rock-bound  retreat  had  been  the  shrine  of  those  de- 
voted to  the  cause  of  liberty.  Gracious,  charitable,  pure-hearted 
and  brave,  he  died  as  he  had  lived,  a man  of  and  for  the  people, 
one  of  the  world ’s  foremost  heroes,  one  of  the  noblest  benefactors 
of  mankind. 

In  his  picture,  Nast  showed  Garibaldi  as  he  had  sketched  him 

yOTllI.\G  SI'CCI:EDS  like  success.  n TP  ilrT 

irom  liie  on  that  day  at  La- 
serta,  twenty-two  years  before. 
No  picture  of  Garibaldi  has 
more  of  the  man’s  simple  dig- 
nity than  this  one  by  Nast,  and 
no  one  recalled  the  hero  of 
i\Iarsala  and  Palermo  with 
greater  honor  and  deeper  affec- 
tion than  the  boy  who  had  fol- 
lowed with  the  red  shirts  in 
their  march  of  triumph  so  long 
before. 

It  was  during  the  summer  of 
1882  that  European  difficulties 

A “Smtll  g«m«— blavkUrds.” 


THE  DAWN  OF  REFORM 


459 


with  Egypt,  in  which  France  and  England  were  chiefly  con- 
cerned, began  to  assume  a serious  aspect.  Tlie  bombardment  and 
partial  destruction  of  Alexandria  by  English  ships  of  war,  on 
July  11,  was  the  result.  Xast  took  a rather  vigorous  interest  in 
this  embroglio,  and  did  not  miss  the  occasion  to  point  out  the 
inefficiency  of  our  own  navy,  which  President  Arthur,  through 
Secretary  IVilliam  E.  Chandler,  was  alreadj'  making  an  effort 
to  rebuild. 


Those  “ voluntary  contributions  ” to  campaign  funds,  re- 
quested by  ^Ir.  Hubbell  again  became  a matter  of  public  interest 
at  this  time,  and  a number  of  the  solicitous  letters  were  printed. 
One  of  them  will  be  sufficient  to  show  the  character  of  these 
invitations.  The  following  is  a copy  of  the  form  sent  to  Penn- 
sylvania employees: 

Dear  Sir:  Our  books  show  that  you  have  paid  no  heed  to 
either  of  the  requests  of  the  committee  for  funds.  The  time  for 
action  is  short.  1 need  not  say  to  you  that  an  important  canvass 
like  the  one  now  being  made  in  an  important  State  like  Penn- 
sylvania requires  a great  outlay  of  money,  and  we  look  to  you 
as  one  of  the  Federal  beneficiaries  to  help  bear  the  burden.  Two 
per  cent,  of  your  salary  is . Please  remit  promptly. 

At  the  close  of  the  campaign  we  shall  ])lace  a list  of  those 
who  have  not  paid  in  the  hands  of  the  head  of  the  department 
you  are  in. 


4G0 


THOMAS  NAST 


It  was  such  insolent  demands  as  this,  and  the  conditions  which 
had  resulted  in  the  tragic  fate  of  Garfield,  that  awoke  at  last 
a genuine  response  to  President  Arthur’s  appeal  for  Civil  Ser- 
vice Eeform.  The  bill  introduced  under  Ilayes,  by  Senator 
Pendleton,  an  Ohio  Democrat,  was  promptly  forwarded  and  re- 
ceived President  Arthur’s  signature,  in  Januaiw,  1883.  It  pro- 
vided for  competitive  examinations  and  classification  of  em- 
ployees, and  declared  that  no  official  could  be  removed  for  failing 
to  contribute  “ voluntary’  ” assessments.  It  fuidher  provided 
that  any  Govemment  official  convicted  of  soliciting  or  receiving 
such  contributions  should  be  subject  to  a fine  of  $5,000,  or  three 
years’  imprisonment,  or  both.  This  effectually  put  a stop  to 
most  of  the  transactions  of  the  “ Ilubbell  ” nature,  and 

was  accounted  a 
ver}"  long  step  to- 
ward the  better  con- 
ditions which  have 
since  prevailed. 

The  veto  by  Pres- 
ident Arthur  of  the 
Piver  and  Harbor 
Bill,  a vast  aggre- 
gation of  jobs  and 
steals,  was  another 
act  which  brought 
him  the  applause 
even  of  those  who 
opposed  him  politi- 
cally. It  would  seem 
the  President  was  in 
a fair  way  to  become 

THE  NEW  ANGELIC  FLYING  MACHINE — (PATENT  APPLIED  , i i 

his  party  s leader 

Grover  CLKVKLAm>  (head  Be  careful  In  adjusting  the  wings.  See  imvf  ontYi 

th&i  they  do  not  clash.**  UUIlllg  IIIL  11^X1  ttllll- 


THE  DAWN  OF  REFORM 


461 


paign.  Yet  certain 
party  elements 
which  liad  gradually 
crystallized  during 
this  quiet  political 
summer,  refused  to 
assimilate  for  any 
purpose,  however 
good. 

The  Gubeniatorial 
election  in  New 
York  found  Judge 
Folger,  who  could 
count  on  nothing 
but  his  own  individ- 
ual wing  of  the 
party,  matched 
against  Grover 
Cleveland,  a Demo- 
crat who,  as  Sheriff 
and  Mayor  of  Buffalo,  had  placed  himself  on  record  as  an  up- 
right official,  and  who  could  count,  not  only  on  a reasonably 
full  Democratic  support,  but  also  on  a verj'  large  portion  of  the 
variously  disaffected  Republican  elements. 

In  Nast’s  first  picture  of  Cleveland,  October  14,  1882,  we  find 
the  Democratic  candidate  standing  before  the  mirror,  regarding 
with  some  complaisancy  his  robe  of  spotlessness,  while  the  two 
wings  of  Democracy  are  being  adjusted  to  his  shoulders.  That 
Cleveland  was  getting  ready  to  fly  Nast  foresaw.  In  a second 
cartoon,  October  28,  he  is  shown  as  Governor  of  New  York, 
taking  a flyer  for  the  "White  House— another  instance  of  Nast’s 
absolute  clearness  of  insight  into  political  conditions.  Cleve- 
land was  not  even  Governor  as  yet,  and  as  a Presidential  possi- 
bility had  not  been  named. 


DEEP  DIPLOMACY 

John  Kelly:  “ Til  let  them  have  their  way  election,  but — 


462 


THOMAS  NAST 


That  Cleveland’s  notions  of 
reform  had  caused  his  Demo- 
cratic wings  to  be  turned  up- 
side down,  as  shown  in  Xast’s 
pictures,  in  no  way  impeded  his 
flight.  He  carried  the  State  by 
one  hundred  gnd  ninety  thou- 
sand votes,  a plurality  greater 
than  ever  had  been  known  in  a 
contested  State  election.  In 
Massachusetts,  General  Butler 
THE  CURIOUS  EFFECT  OF  CLEAN  LINEN  UPON  wus  llkewlse  rewui’ded  wltli  the 

THE  DEMOCRATIC  PARTY  goveniorsliip,  uud  ut  Washiug- 

ton  the  House  of  Eepresentatives  once  more  passed  into  the  con- 
trol of  Democracy.  Truly  the  Republican  Party  had  been  taught 
that  a house  divided  against  itself  is  in  imminent  danger. 

Yet  the  result  was  not  so  much  an  approval  of  Democratic 
principles,  or  policies,  or  measures  as  a tremendous  rebuke 
from  the  people,  administered  to  bosses  and  rings  and  corrupt 
political  methods.  The  Grand  Old  Party  which  had  put  down 
rebellion  and  abolished  slavery 
had  become  as  a rendezvous  of 
spoilsmen — a harbor  of  rascal- 
ity. Like  an  army  that  has  been 
mustered  out,  yet  remains  in 
the  field,  it  lacked  organization 
and  its  chief  purpose  was  plun- 
der. Men  not  blinded  by  ]>ar- 
tisanship  realized  this,  and  that 
the  time  had  come  when  it  was 
not  a question  of  party,  but  of  a 
leader — the  man  who  would  op- 
pose and  defeat  the  spoilsmen 
and  keep  his  own  record  clean. 


EGYPT,  A PRESENT  FROM  GLADSTONE 
John  Bull:  “ Dear  me!  w!io  could  have  put  that  in  my 
stocking!  It  must  have  been  that  grand  old  man— Santa 
Claus,” 


CHAPTER  LII 


A PERIOD  OF  IXVESTMEXT  AND  REST 

'With  the  opening  months 
of  1883  Nast  began  investing 
money  vritli  the  firm  of  Grant 
and  Ward.  This  finn  was 
originally  composed  of  Ferd- 
inand "Ward  and  U.  S.  Grant, 
Jr.,  with  J.  D.  Fish,  President 
of  the  Marine  Bank  as  a spe- 
cial partner.  The  business  of 
the  finn  was  supposed  to  con- 
NEw  year’s  jump  WITH  HOPE  WINS  AGAIN  sist  iu  supplyiug  luouey  for 
cariwing  out  railway  contracts,  and  was  believed  to  be 
profitable.  It  was  “ boom  ” times  in  railway  building.  For- 
tunes were  made  easily  and  with  great  expedition.  The  finn  of 
Grant  and  Ward  was  presently  rated  “ gilt  edge,”  and  event- 
ually was  regarded  as  being  worth  no  less  than  fifteen  millions 
of  dollars. 

In  1880,  General  Grant,  knowing  nothing  of  the  real  nature  of 
the  business,  as  indeed  no  one  knew  except  Ward  himself,  whose 
influence  is  said  to  have  been  little  short  of  hypnotic,  invested 
all  his  savings,  $100,000,  with  the  firm,  there  being  an  under- 
standing that  he  was  to  be  liable  only  for  the  money  put  in. 


4C4 


THOMAS  NAST 


There  were  many  such  investors,  and  among  them,  in  1883,  was 
Thomas  Nast,  who  sold  the  Harlem  lot  for  that  purj:>ose,  believ- 
ing that  the  profits  on  this  last  $30,000  would  replace  all  that 
he  had  lost  through  former  investments.  Bad  judgment  can 
hardly  be  charged  against  him  in  this  instance.  He  knew  that 
many  of  his  nearest  friends,  including  General  Grant,  were  re- 
ceiving fine  dividends  on  their  money.  The  firm  had  existed  for 
a number  of  years,  and  there  had  been  no  hint  that  would  suggest 
even  a suspicion  as  to  its  integrity,  or  that  the  nature  of  its 
transactions  was  not  wholly  legitimate.  Some  of  the  greatest 

business  firms  in  Xew  York 
trusted  themselves  conpiletely 
in  "Ward’s  hands,  while  to  be 
pennitted  to  invest  in  the 
firm’s  undertakings  was  a 
privilege  accorded,  only  to  a 
favored  few. 

In  fact  Nast’s  dividends 
presently  became  so  liberal 
PLUCKED  TURKEY  Seemed  to  him  he  might 

now  afford  to  give  up  the  old  Harper  an*angement,  which  had 
become  less  satisfactoiw  as  each  year  the  publishers  regarded 
rather  more  doubtfully  his  tendency  to  startling  reforms  and 
radical  political  views.  It  is  true  the  political  situation  was  very 
delicate  at  this  time,  but  delicate  situations  are  rarely  improved 
by  being  avoided,  and  if  it  was  the  paper’s  purpose  to  be  right 
at  whatsoever  cost — a conclusion  which  may  be  assumed  from 
the  developments  of  a year  later — it  would  seem  that  the  keen 
prophetic  insight  of  Nast  might  have  been  safely  trusted  in  the 
subject  matter  of  his  cartoons. 

Comparing  the  AVeekly  of  this  period  with  the  files  of  ten 
years  before  the  difference  is  very  marked.  It  would  appear  to 
have  become  less  a paper  for  the  man  than  for  his  family,  more 


1 PERIOD  OF  INVESTMENT  AND  REST 


465 


social  and  domestic  than  political  in  its  pictures,  partaking  some- 
what of  the  nature  of  the  Bazaar.  In  the  issue  of  February  17, 
1883,  a girl’s  valentine  story,  with  an  appropriate  picture,  begins 
on  the  front  page.  Certainly  this  was  a different  journal  from 
the  one  which  had  been  instrumental  in  destroying  Tweed,  and 
Xast  felt  that  such  work  as  he  could  do  best  had  little  place  in  its 
pages.  On  March  16  he  expressed  himself  on  this  subject  in  a 
letter  to  iMr.  John  "W.  Harper,  then  in  charge: 

]My  dear  ]\Ir.  Harper: 

Since  you  have  taken  exclusive  charge  of  my  drawings, 
they  have  appeared  less  and  less  frecpiently  in  the  Weekly,  and 
I think  I have  observed  faithfully  the  letter  of  the  agreement. 
For  some  years  past  my  work  has  been  refused  at  times,  but 
some  reason  has  been  assigned  for  it,  generally  that  the  subjects 
were  adverse  to  the  interests  of  the  house. 

Of  late,  however,  no  such  motive  could  apply,  for  noticing 
how  often  they  were  suppressed  I have  been  careful  to  avoid 
doubtful  subjects.  Still  they  have  met  the  same  fate  persistently, 
and  whenever  you  have  selected  any  for  publication  you  have 
invariably  chosen  the  smallest. 

Hence,  I am  forced  to  the  conclusion  that  for  some  reason 
unknown  to  me,  my  drawings  are  no  longer  of  use  to  you,  and 
that  under  those  circumstances  you  certainly  cannot  care  to 
continue  the  arrangement  with  me.  . . . 

Of  course,  nothing  having  been  said  up  to  January  1,  I na- 
turally considered  the  agi’eement  binding  for  another  year,  and 
have  refused  good  offers.  But  as  it  is,  I have  decided  that  it 
would  be  best  for  both  parties  to  bring  it  to  a close  at  the  end 
of  the  first  quarter,  April  1. 

The  agreement  as  to  the  retainer,  made  ten  years  ago,  may  also 
expire  at  the  same  date.  Yours  truly, 

Th.  Nast. 

The  reply  to  this  proposed  resignation  came  promptly: 

My  dear  Nast: 

Your  djTiamite  communication  of  the  16th  inst.,  in  which 
you  decide  to  exchange  old  friends  and  long  friendships  for  new, 
came  to  hand,  very  singularly,  on  St.  Patrick’s  Day.  The  con- 
duct which  you  criticise  has  not  been  that  of  any  one  member 
of  our  finn  exclusively,  but  we  have  advised  with  one  another, 
as  is  our  habit  in  other  business  questions.  Whenever  your  work 


30 


4G6 


THOMAS  NAST 


lias  been  omitted,  there  have  been  good  reasons,  in  our  judg- 
ment, for  such  omissions,  and  explanations  have  been  made 
frankly  when  you  have  given  us  an  opiiortuuity  to  do  so  bj"  your 
presence.  In  many  instances,  I think,  you  have  agreed  with  us. 
Recently  you  have  avoided  me  altogether,  but  I did  not  suspect 
it  was  from  any  unfriendly  feelings;  I supposed  it  merely  acci- 
dental. From  your  point  of  view,  I am  not  surprised  at  your  ex- 
pressions; but  you  ought  to  remember  that  we  have  to  consider 
these  matters  from  a business  standpoint,  as  well  as  from  their 
artistic  merits. 

I shall  submit  your  letter  to  the  firm,  for  whom  it  is  in- 
tended, and  in  any  event  I shall  hope  that  our  friendly  inter- 
course of  so  many  years  may  not  be  internipted  because  we  differ 
in  questions  relating  wholly  to  business. 

Yours  very  truly, 

John  W.  Harper. 

P.  S. — Perhaps  you  had  better  not  disturb  the  retainer  feature 
just  now,  but  take  more  time  to  consider  before  cutting  loose 
from  Your  Franklin  Square  Friends, 

II.  B. 

This  was  friendly  enough,  but  it  did  not  adjust  the  matter. 
Nast  chafed  under  the  policy  of  discussing  the  pictures  to  find 
possible  flaws.  He  recalled  with  fondness  the  old  days  when  one 
man,  Fletcher  Haq^er,  had  been  supreme.  “ Too  many  cooks 
spoil  the  broth,”  he  declared,  which  old  adage  differs  but  little 
from  the  more  recent  saying  of  one  of  America’s  foremost  news- 
paper owners,  “ There’s  no  paper  big  enough  to  stand  the  mis- 
takes of  more  than  one  man.”  The  retainer  feature,  which  pre- 
vented Nast  from  contributing  elsewhere,  was  allowed  to  remain 
undisturbed,  l)ut  his  drawings  for  that  year  ceased  with  the 
end  of  March. 

In  ]\Iay  he  sailed  for  England,  partly  on  business,  but 
chiefly  for  recreation.  General  Grant  gave  him  a letter  to 
friends  in  Europe,  who  eagerly  made  him  welcome.  It  proved 
a pleasant  if  not  a profitable  trip.  In  London  he  was  variously 
invited  and  entertained  by  painters,  politicians  and  men  of 
letters.  Edwin  A.  Abbey,  already  settled  abroad,  gave  him  a 


A PERIOD  OF  IXVESTMENT  AND  REST 


4G7 


dinner,  to  which  a nunil)er  of  well-known  artists  and  literary 
men  were  invited.  'William  Black,  and  Mr.  Laffan,  now  of  the 
Xew  York  Sun,  were  present.  Samhourae  of  Punch  sent  char- 
acteristic regrets  in  picture  and  rhyme. 

“ E.  Ahhey,  Esq., 

Poet  Laureate, 

54  Bedford  Gardens: 

]\[y  dearest  Abbey, 

Don’t  think  me  shabby, 

Your  festive  kal)by. 

Poor  me  can’t  nabhy, 

I dine  with  Labhy, 
l\t.  P.,  North  Abbey, 

'Who  sleek  as  Tabl)V, 

Black,  white  or  drahhy. 

This  mouse  does  grubby. 

That’s  all  my  hlabhy, 

I’m  awfully  sorry  but  can’t  be  helped. 

Ever  thine.” 

During  his  stay  in  London  Nast  attended  a State  concert, 
given  at  Buckingham  Palace,  “ By  Command  of  the  Queen,” 
and  the  pretty,  lace-edged,  pmqile-printed  programme  already 
seems  curious  and  quaint  in  this  day  of  different  print- 
ing. Literary'  men,  painters  and  members  of  the  nobility  enter- 
tained him  at  their  clubs  and  homes,  honors  which  gratified  him, 
no  doubt,  hut  tired  him  rather  more,  while  the  high-living  in- 
cident to  his  gay  life  made  him  bilious.  Tie  sailed  for  America 
rather  early  in  the  summer,  and  with  IMrs.  Nast  spent  some  weeks 
at  Saratoga,  drinking  of  the  beneficial  waters. 

Ketuniing  to  Morristown  for  a period,  they'  were  once  more 
visited  by'  General  and  lUrs.  Grant,  accompanied  this  time  by' 
Colonel  and  Mrs.  Frederick  D.  Grant,  then  living  in  Morristown. 
After  their  trip  around  the  world.  General  Grant  and  wife 
had  presented  the  Nast  household  with  a pair  of  rare  cloisonne 
vases,  bought  for  that  purpose  in  Japan;  hut  various  travels 
and  duties  had  prevented  their  meeting  since  the  Nast  dinner 


408 


THOMAS  XASr 


given  on  the  eve  of  departure,  six  years  before.  Many  changes 
had  taken  place.  Fortune  and  misfortune  had  befallen  them  all. 
Now,  once  more,  with  continued  and  increasing  retums  from  the 
Grant  and  "Ward  investments,  in  which  all  were  interested,  pros- 
perity seemed  to  smile  and  the  family  dinner  was  a cheerful  re- 
union. 

There  was  no  elaborate  service  this  time. 

“ What  would  you  like  for  dinner.  General?  ” Nast  inquired, 
when  he  gave  the  invitation. 

“ Well,”  said  Grant,  ” if  you  knew  how  tired  I am  of  little 
birds,  you  would  give  me  corned  beef  and  cabbage.” 

So  this  was  what  they  had,  and  all  formality  was  forgotten  in 
the  old-fashioned  home  dinner.  Grant  has  been  called  a silent 
man,  but  he  was  not  so  on  such  an  occasion  as  this.  He  talked 
continuously  of  his  travels  and  in  a most  interesting  manner. 
When  asked  what  had  most  impressed  him  on  his  trip,  he  said: 

“ The  decay  of  the  Latin  races.  They  are  doomed— doomed!  ” 

A few  days  later,  during  the  General’s  visit,  Colonel  Grant  and 
wife  gave  the  Nasts  a return  dinner,  a similar  and  no  less  happy 
housewarming. 

In  October,  1883,  the  Nasts  resolved  to  fulfil  an  old  promise  to 
themselves  to  go  over  their  wedding  trip  again.  They  journeyed 
to  Albany  and  Buffalo,  thence  to  Niagara,  stopping  at  the  same 
old  hotel,  the  Cataract  House,  where  all  day  and  night  may  be 
heard  the  thunder  of  the  Falls. 

Twenty-two  years  had  passed,  but  the  old  romance  grew  young 
again.  Other  guests  believed  them  lately  wed,  and  when  told  of 
the  four  children  at  home— one  of  them  half  as  old  as  her  mother, 
and  already  a young  lady — they  listened  with  incredulous  ears. 
Thomas  Nast,  even  to  his  last  days,  had  the  air  and  step  of 
youth,  and  the  Nasts  were  a cou})le  young  for  their  years. 

They  continued  their  jouniey  into  Canada,  where,  at  ^Montreal, 
Mr.  Nast  contracted  a severe  cold.  They  had  intended  visiting 


1 PERIOD  OF  IXFESTMEXr  AXI)  REST 


4G9 


Quebec,  but  re- 
turned home  in- 
stead, and  none  too 
soon,  for  pneumonia 
developed,  and 
tliougli  promptly 
taken  in  hand  and 
combatted,  the  art- 
ist Tvas  left  weak 
and  prostrated.  It 
was  not  until  he 
made  a trip  to  Flor- 
ida during  the  win- 
ter—a jouniey  made 
with  the  Earl  of 
Kuntingtou  (Chair- 
man of  a Florida 
Land  and  Mortgage 
Company),  his  son. 

Lord  Hastings,  and 
a pleasant  party  of 
investors  and  pleas- 

sure  seekers— that  he  recovered  his  health  and  was  in  a condition 
to  renew  his  work.  "While  on  this  trip  he  was  constantly  inter- 
viewed as  to  his  plans  and  political  views,  for  his  absence  from 
the  Weekly  had  not  failed  to  arouse  the  usual  curiosity  and 
surmises,  while  the  fact  that  it  was  longer  than  ever  before  led  to 
the  belief  that  the  separation  was  final. 

Such,  however,  was  not  the  case.  The  letters  which  had  flowed 
into  Franklin  Square,  calling  for  the  old  artist  and  the  old  pic- 
tures, had  not  been  without  their  result.  As  usual,  a number 
of  good  men  had  been  tried— some  of  them  our  foremost  car- 
toonists of  to-day— but  the  readers  of  the  Weekly  demanded  the 


A CORNER  IN  THE  NAST  PARLOR 


470 


THOMAS  NAST 


old  favorite  and  would  not  be  gainsaid.  Perhaps  they  did  not 
recognize  so  easily  the  familiar  political  faces  when  portrayed  by 
new  hands,  for  it  was  during  this  period  that  we  first  find 
adopted  by  the  Weekly  the  practice  so  prevalent  to-day  of  label- 
ling the  different  cartoon  figures  with  their  names. 

As  early  as  September  we  find  a letter  from  J.  Ilenn"  HarjDer,. 
one  of  the  third  generation  of  this  remarkable  family  and  after- 
wards head  of  the  finn,  in  which  he  urges  the  wandering  artist 
to  retura.  He  had  been  always  fond  of  Xast,  who  seemed 
to  him  almost  as  a father,  or  as  an  elder  brother,  and  he  wrote  to 
him  with  the  spirit  of  youth. 

Dear  Nast: 

I have  thought  and  worried  over  what  you  told  me  when  we 
separated  last  night. 

I then  understood  you  to  say,  but  I hope  my  inference  is  in- 
correct, that  you  have  concluded  to  sever  your  connection  with 
us.  I have  not  since  mentioned  the  matter  to  any  member  of 
the  firm,  but  I think  I ought  to  know  what  your  detennination  is, 
for  they  have  now  apparently  given  me  charge  of  the  Weekly. 
Nothing  has  been  done  as  yet  to  fill  the  void  in  that  journal 
which  your  absence  has  created,  and  I consequently  feel  that  if 
you  have  irrevocably  made  up  your  mind  to  leave  us  that  we 
must  make  some  attempt  to  fill  that  vacancy.  I can’t  add  any- 
thing to  what  T have  already  said  to  persuade  you  again  to 
take  up  your  pencil  for  us,  but  the  AVeekly  must  endeavor  to 
forge  on  again,  and  if  we  fail  to  secure  the  services  of  the  old- 
experienced  and  well-beloved  staff  who  have  fought  with  us 
through  so  many  successful  campaigns,  we  will,  alas,  be  com- 
pelled to  hunt  around  among  the  untried  and  uncongenial  lesser 
lights  to  prepare  for  the  fight  which  is  hard  upon  us. 

I write  without  consulting  anyone,  and  will  look  for  your 
answer,  I must  own,  with  sad  misgivings.  I know,  however, 
that  whatever  decision  you  may  make  will  be  from  a con- 
scientious sense  of  duty,  and  I remain  as  ever, 

Faithfully  yours, 

J.  Ilenrj^ 

It  was  not  in  Nast’s  nature  to  resist  a letter  of  this  sort,  though 
he  could  not,  at  the  time,  give  a positive  answer,  leaving  the  firm 
free  to  replace  him,  should  this  become  necessary.  Nothing 


A PERIOD  OF  IXEESTMEXT  AXD  REST 


471 


definite  was  done,  and  on  October  30  bis  old  friend,  Joseph  W. 
Harper,  Jr.  (“  Joe  Brooklyn  ”),  wrote,  enclosing  a letter— an 
example  of  the  very  many  received  at  this  time.  It  ran: 


“ Will  you  please  answer,  either  bj'  letter  or  in  your  personal 
column,  what  has  l)ecome  of  ]\Ir.  Thomas  Nast?  I.  as  well  as 
many  others,  have 
missed  his  pic- 
tures in  Harper’s 
Weekly  very  much 
for  the  last  six 
months.  If  you  have 
made  any  explana- 
tion in  regard  to 
liini,  it  has  escaped 
my  notice.” 


In  his  note  accom- 


panying this,  Mr. 
Harper  wrote: 


!My  Dear  Nast: 

I find  on  my  desk 
the  enclosed  letter 
from  Illinois,  which 
gives  me  the  oppor- 
tunity of  saying 
frankly  and  sincere- 
ly that  I wish  you 
would  resume  work 
on  the  Weekly,  and 
of  assuring  you  that 
should  you  do  so  we 
would  all  of  us  try 
to  make  it  in  every 
way  pleasant  for 
you. 

Mrs.  Nast  writes  that  though  you  are  suffering  from  a severe 
Montreal  cold,  you  will  endeavor  to  he  with  us  at  the  Henry 
Irving  breakfast  on  Friday,  and  I hope  you  will  come.  But  don’t 
expose  yourself,  and  if  you’re  seriously  housed  or  limited  to 
gruel,  I will  roll  down  to  i\rorristown  to  see  how  you  like  it  and 
to  share  your  howl  of  gruel. 


A CORNER  IN  THE  NAST  DRAWING-ROOM 


Yours  always,  J.  W.  Harper,  Jr. 


472 


THOMAS  NAST 


This  was  followed  by  Nast’s  illness  and  some  intimate  per- 
sonal letters  and  visits,  during  which  the  old  arrangement  and 
ties  were  renewed  for  another  tenn.  On  December  27  the  Weekly 
published  a small  Christmas  “ comic,”  left  over  from  the  year 
before,  and  printed  the  following  announcement: 

In  answer  to  many  inquiries  from  subscribers,  we  regret  to  say 
that  Mr,  Thomas  Nast,  who  still  maintains  his  connection  with 
]\Iessrs,  Harper  & Brothers,  has  not  yet  sufficiently  recovered 
from  the  severe  attack  of  pneumonia  by  which  he  was  recently 
])rostrated  to  give  the  public  the  benefit  of  his  genius.  We  hope, 
however,  that  before  many  months  have  passed  he  will  be  able  to 
resume  the  pencil  with  which  he  has  done  such  vigorous  and 
noble  work  in  the  cause  of  the  Union  and  in  support  of  an  honest 
and  enlightened  administration  of  National,  State,  and  Municipal 
government.  The  public  will  be  glad  to  leani  that,  should  his 
health  permit,  Mr.  Nast  will  deliver  some  lectures  during  the 
winter. 

They  had  hoped  to  have  one  of  his  customary  Santa  Claus 
pictures,  and  Mr.  S.  S.  Conant,  who  then  had  charge  of  “ mak- 
ing ” the  paper,  had  written,  December  3: 

My  dear  Mr.  Nast: 

The  approach  of  Christmas  time  reminds  me  that  for  many 
years  our  readers  have  been  favored  with  delightful  holiday 
pictures  from  your  pencil.  They,  as  well  as  ourselves,  would  be 
very  sorry  to  miss  your  contributions  this  season,  and  I write  to 
ask  whether  you  would  feel  inclined  to  favor  us  with  Xmas 
illustrations,  either  for  the  Weekly  or  for  each  of  the  three 
periodicals? 

But  the  artist  was  not  yet  equal  to  the  task  in  the  brief  time 
allowed,  and  the  young  Haiq^er  readers  missed  his  jolly  St, 
Nicholas  that  season. 


CHAPTER  LlII 

THE  BREWING  OF  POLITICAL  REVOLT 

It  was  not  until  March  1,  1884,  that  Nast  made  his  reappear- 
ance in  the  IVeekly.  He  had  lingered  in  the  South  to  acquire 
strength  for  the  Presidential  campaign,  which  bade  fair  to  be— 
what  it  in  good  sooth  became— one  of  the  fiercest  and  most 
closely  contested  political  battles  in  history,  AYhen  in  February 
the  press  reported  his  retuni  to  Morristown,  he  received  from 
Franklin  Square  a word  of  greeting  and  suggestion: 

My  dear  Nast: 

Have  you  returned? 

Did  you  buy  ten  thousand  acres  or  so? 

And  where’s  my  alligator? 

And  when  are  you  to  begin  in  the  Weekly? 

The  first  picture  ought  to  be  strong  and  incisive,  for  we 
must  remember  that  while  your  hosts  of  friends  and  the  friends 
of  the  Weekly  are  ready  to  welcome  you,  there  are  also  hosts 
of  enemies  who  will  be  unfriendly  critics,  and  who  will  be  eager 
to  claim  that  your  eye  is  dimmed  and  that  your  hand  has  lost 
its  cunning. 

The  boys  join  me  in  kind  regards  to  you  and  Mrs.  Nast.  I 
liope  you  have  brought  back  no  fever  and  ague. 

Yours  faithfully, 

J.  W.  Harper,  Jr. 

The  first  picture  was  one  to  disarm  criticism.  It  depicted  the 
dire  need  of  Cincinnati,  where  terrible  winter  floods  had  wrought 
ruin  and  desolation.  The  cartoon  was  a powerful  cry  for 
“ Help!  ” It  was  not  until  a week  later  that  he  presented  the 


474 


THOMAS  NAST 


political  situation— simply  a gi'eat,  white  “ Sacred  Elephant/' 
labeled  the  Eepublican  Party,  carrying  the  Presidential  Chair, 
and  wearing  the  belt  of  Civil  Service  Eefonn.  A small  carica- 
ture of  Nast  himself  introduces  the  exhibit,  beneath  which  are 
the  words : 

“ This  animal  is  sure  to  win,  if  it  is  only  kept  pure  and  clean, 
and  has  not  too  heavy  a load  to  carry.” 

It  was  a striking  picture,  and  precisely  summarized  the  situa- 
tion; also  the  position  of  Harper’s  Weekly  and  of  Nast  himself. 
With  respectability  and  a proper  burden  the  Eepublican  Party 
could  win.  Otherwise  its  case  was  doubtful  and  the  support  of 
Franklin  Square  most  uncertain. 

In  this  issue  of  the  Weekly,  at  the  head  of  the  editorial  column, 
the  attention  of  the  i)uhlic  was  directed  to  the  fact  of  Nast’s  re- 
turn. The  notice  closed  significantly: 

Our  readers  will  recognize  the  familiar  figure  of  the  Eepub- 
lican Elephant  treated  in  a manner  at  once  retrospective  and  sug- 
gestive, recalling  the  principles  by  which  the  Eepublican  Party 
has  won  the  confidence  of  the  countrjq  and  by  strict  adherence  to 
which  alone  it  can  hope  to  retain  that  confidence  in  the  future. 

The  cartoonist’s  welcome  hack  to  the  old  journal  was  general 
and  enthusiastic.  The  newspapers  which  had  been  asking,  as 
did  the  Herald,  “ Why  is  the  public  no  longer  instructed  by  the 
work  of  this  historic  caricaturist  in  the  ‘ journal  made  famous  by 
Thomas  Nast?  ’ ” now  accorded  him  a notice  that  was,  if  pos- 
sible, more  universal  than  ever  before.  The  following  is  a fair 
sample  of  the  comment;  also  of  the  frequent  misstatements 
which  have  led  to  so  many  false  impressions  conceniing  his  re- 
lations and  difficulties  with  the  Hai*])er  finn: 

The  reappearance  of  the  familiar  bold  signature  of  Th.  Nast 
on  a cartoon  in  Ilarjier’s  Weekly  has  produced  more  of  a sensa- 
tion than  either  Nast  or  the  Harpers  could  have  dreamed  of. 
That  was  a peculiar  quarrel,  or  rather  its  consequences  were  pecu- 
liar. Two  years  ago  the  artist’s  vigorous  ])ictures  disappeared. 
He  was  under  contract  not  to  draw  for  any  other  periodical,  and 


THE  BREIVING  OE  POLITICAL  REVOLT 


475 


THE  SACRED  ELEPHANT 

THIS  ANIMAI,  IS  SURE  TO  WIN,  IP  IT  IS  ONLY  KEPT  PURE  AND  CLEAN,  AND  HAS  NOT 
TOO  BEAVT  A LOAD  TO  CA&BT 


so  every  week  he  sent  in  a sketch  to  Harpers,  and  they  in  return 
continued  to  pay  him  five  thousand  dollars  a year.  During  the 
two  years  in  his  cosy  home  at  Morristown  he  has  drawn  the  best 
work  of  his  life,  as  all  the  friends  who  have  seen  the  many  am- 
bitious pictures  stored  there  unite  in  declaring,  etc.,  etc. 

Perhaps  this  is  accurate  enough  for  the  daily  newspaper 
reader,  but  from  a historical  standpoint  its  errors  seem  impor- 
tant. Xast’s  absence  from  the  Weekly  had  been  less  than  one 
year,  during  which  he  had  remained  very  little  in  his  “ cosy 


476 


THOMAS  NAST 


home  at  Morristown  ” and  had  drawn  no  pictures  whatever.  He 
had  received  the  $5,000  in  the  stipulated  payments,  but  this  had 
been  merely  a retainer,  work  or  play.  Had  the  writer  doubled 
the  amount  of  this  annual  payment,  as  many  papers  did,  he 
would  have  crowded  as  many  misstatements  as  would  seem  pos- 
sible into  a brief  paragraph,  which  after  all  contained  the  ele- 
ments of  news.  The  story  that  Nast  ever  went  on  supplying  pic- 
tures to  Hai’iier’s  Weekly  during  any  period  of  absence  from 
its  pages  may  properly  he  denied  here.  It  was,  as  we  have  seen, 
the  occasional  refusal  of  his  drawings,  more  or  less  frequent, 
which  resulted  in  these  hiatuses;  hut  during  such  weeks  or 
months  he  supplied  no  work  and  was  not  expected  to  do  so.  His 
retainer  merely  provided  against  his  contributing  to  other  jour- 
nals. His  drawings  were  always  additionally  paid  for.  It  is 
probable  that  altogether,  during  the  twenty-five  years  of  his 
connection  with  the  Harper  firm,  not  more  than  twenty-five  of 
his  pictures  remained  unused. 

The  letters  of  welcome  were  as  kindly  and  almost  as  numerous 
as  the  press  notices.  From  John  G.  Borden,  the  great  dispenser 
of  milk,  came  this  measure  of  human  kindness: 

Good  morning!  I too  want  to  shake  hands!  Glad  to  see  you 
back!  Certainly!  Come  to  stay,  we  all  hope!  Borden. 

From  the  office  all  sent  greetings.  S.  S.  Conant  wrote:  “ I am 
glad  to  welcome  you  back.  Will  you  kindly  let  us  know  by  tele- 
graph what  you  intend  doing  for  next  week?  When  you  come  in 
won’t  you  shed  the  light  of  your  countenance  on  yours  truly?  ” 

His  old  companion  in  arms  forgot  all  disagreements  and  held 
out  the  right  hand  of  fellowship: 

Dear  Nast: 

I am  sincerely  glad  to  know  that  you  are  better,  or  what  is 
better  still,  quite  well,  and  that  we  are  to  go  into  the  old  and 
ever  new  fight  again,  side  by  side.  With  every  good  wish,  I am, 

Very  truly  yours, 

George  William  Curtis. 


“ ’tis  true,  ’tis  pity,  and  pity  ’tis,  ’tis  true” 

Democratic  Wolf — “There  are  some  bhick  elieep  in  yonr  fold;  therefore  you  had  btdter  let  me  take 
care  of  your  Hock.  Having  been  ao  long  without  food  has  made  me  very  kind  and  gentle,  and  has  changed 
my  nature  so  completely  that  I am  an  excellent  shepherd's  dog  now." 

That  the  “ old  and  ever  new  fight  ” was  to  begin  by  opposing 
Blaine  is  shown  by  consulting  the  Weekly’s  editorial  and  pic- 
torial pages,  now  in  perfect  unison.  Early  in  March  “ Blaine 
Leans  Toward  Logan  ” was  the  subject  of  a cartoon  showing 
Logan,  bound  hand  and  foot,  and  being  pushed  from  the  steps 
of  the  White  House  by  the  “ leaning  ” Senator.  The  grouping 
of  these  two  is  subject  to  another  interpretation  of  that 
unconsciously  prophetic  kind  which  made  the  genius  of  Xast 
something  almost  uncanny. 

Again,  in  April,  Blaine  appears  as  a book  agent,  canvassing 
with  his  new  work,  the  “ Twenty  Years  ” record,  while  a week 
later  Grover  Cleveland  is  significantly  complimented  for  his 
excellent  work  in  New  York  City,  can’ied  on  with  Theodore 
Koosevelt,  who  now,  for  the  first  time,  appears  in  the  cartoons. 

It  was  not  that  Harper’s  AVeekly  seriously  contemplated  a bolt 
from  the  Kepublican  party.  Yet  there  were  constant  insurrec- 
tions in  the  ranks,  and  anything  was  likely  to  occur.  Those  who 
called  themselves  Independents  were  for  reform  before  party. 


478 


THOMAS  NAST 


and  it  was  to  this  element  that  Harper’s  Weekly,  in  common  with 
most  of  the  better  class  of  journals,  belonged.  Curtis  and  Xast 
did  not  hesitate  therefore  to  applaud  the  work  of  Cleveland  in 
city  and  state,  especially  as  Cleveland  himself  willingly  united 
with  a strong-hearted  young  Bepublican  like  Theodore  Eoosevelt 

in  certain  legislation  for  reform. 
Democracy,  as  a whole,  Curtis 
still  freely  denounced.  He  de- 
clared that,  as  a party,  it  had 
ceased  to  represent  anything 
whatever  but  opposition— not 
opposition  to  principle  or  policy, 
but  merely  to  Eepublican  meas- 
ures because  they  were  such. 

Yet  he  did  not  hesitate  to 
joraise  such  Democrats  as  iSfr. 
Hewitt,  who  supported  the  bill 
“ BLAINE  LEANS  TOWARDS  LOGAN  ” foi’  uu  iucreused  iiavy  against 
the  opposition  of  Samuel  J.  Eandall  and  the  party  as  a whole. 
Each  day  it  became  less  a question  of  party  than  of  men,  and  as 
the  Independent  jounials  pointed  out,  the  man  selected  must  be 
one  whose  record,  long  or  short,  would  show  a tendency  toward 
progress,  especially  in  the  direction  of  impartial  allotment  of 
public  office  as  a reward  of  merit  and  not  as  the  finits  of  victorJ^ 
In  tlie  editorial  above  mentioned,  Curtis  adds:  “ The  interest  of 
Grover  Cleveland  in  the  cause  (Civil  Sendee)  has  been  signal  and 
effective.”  Curtis  did  not  advocate  a new  party  under  the  lead  of 
the  Independents.  The  administration  of  Arthur  he  pronounced 
good.  It  was  his  chief  concern  that  the  integrity  of  the  party 
should  be  maintained,  with  a policy  and  a candidate  in  accord 
with  the  better  doctrines  which  the  Independent  wing  was  seek- 
ing to  establish  and  hoped  to  make  permanent.  It  was  his  belief, 
as  it  was  that  of  Xast— and  we  are  dwelling  upon  the  opinions 


THE  BREJf’IXG  OF  POLITICAL  REVOLT  479 


of  these  two  because  they  were  in  the  foremost  rank  and  were 
presently  to  become  conspicuous  in  a great  party  upheaval— that 
the  nomination  of  Blaine  would  mean  simply  a continuation  of 
the  old  system  of  party  rewards  and  a renewal  of  the  feuds  and 
wretchedness  of  1881.  There  was  a widespread  conviction  that 
Blaine,  who  had  begun  as  a patriot  and  a statesman,  had  become 
a politician  and  a spoilsman.  It  was  Blaine  who  was  considered 
the  “ too  heavy  a load  ” for  the  “ Sacred  Elephant  ” to  carry. 

Yet  Blaine  was  a magnetic  man— a pillar  of  wisdom  and  ora- 
tory, and  his  following  was  mighty  in  the  nation.  AVitli  the 
legitimate  support 
of  Eepublican  press 
and  patriot,  his  suc- 
cess was  assured. 

Doubtless  he  be- 
lieved, and  his 
friends  believed, 
that  with  the  nomin- 
ation most  of  those 
who  had  been  his 
critics  would  swing 
into  the  old  line,  and 
if  thej"  did  not  stren- 
uously uphold  his 
cause,  they  would  at 
least  not  cry  it 
down.  They  remem- 
bered that  such  pa- 
pers as  the  Herald 
and  the  Post,  which 
had  been  most  crit- 
ical of  Grant,  had, 

, . . REFORM  WITHOUT  BLOODSHED.  GO^•ERNOR  CLEVELAND  AND 

upon  hlS  renomina-  theodore  roosevelt  at  their  good  work 


480 


THOMAS  NAST 


tion,  wheeled  back  into  the  ranks  and  fought  his  battle.  Per- 
haps they  forgot,  or  refused  to  remember,  an  important  thing. 
Grant’s  personal  integrity  was  never  for  a moment  really 
doubted  by  intelligent  men.  Whatever  may  have  been  the  crit- 
icism of  his  methods,  or  the  slanders  inspired  by  malice,  no 
impartial  and  thinking  individual  ever  suggested  that  Grant 
was  not  the  soul  of  honor,  that  he  ever  even  considered  the 
possibility  of  using  his  public  office  for  personal  gain.  On  the 
other  hand,  Blaine  had  been  involved  in  more  than  one  atfair 
of  doubtful  aspect,  and  once,  in  1876,  had  been  the  subject  of 
a Congressional  inquiry  relative  to  a questionable  connection 
with  the  Little  Rock  and  Ft.  Smith  Railroad.  True,  his  dramatic 
vindication  at  this  time  had  appeared  sufficiently  complete  to 
inspire  the  famous  “ Plumed  Knight  ” speech  of  Colonel  Inger- 
soll,  but  certain  facts  connected  with  the  denouement,  and  calmer 
reflection,  had  left  the  public  mind  by  no  means  clear  as  to  his 
entire  innocence.  The  matter  would  be  sifted  to  the  final  dust 
if  he  became  a presidential  candidate.  Blaine  of  Maine  could 
show  much  that  was  noble  in  his  record,  but  a man  who  could 
show  less,  even  one  with  no  record  at  all,  would  have  been  a safer 
nominee. 

In  everj"  issue  of  the  Weekly,  Curtis  protested  with  force  and 
skill  against  the  nomination  of  Blaine.  He  pointed  out  that  it 
would  divide  the  party,  that  it  would  debase  it  by  committing 
it  to  the  old  creed  of  spoil  and  high  tariff;  that,  furthermore,  a 
campaign  under  Blaine  must  necessarily  become  one  of  explana- 
tion and  defence.  The  friendliness  of  the  Democratic  papers  to 
Blaine  he  regarded  as  “ one  of  the  most  suspicious  signs  of  the 
situation.”  When  finally  the  old  railroad  scandal  was  raked 
over,  as  it  began  to  be,  even  before  the  convention,  and  William 
Walter  Phelps  rushed  to  the  fore  with  a letter  of  defence,  Curtis 
did  not  hesitate  to  speak  his  mind  fully: 

” The  one  fact  in  this  controversy  which  remains  undis- 


THE  BREWING  OF  POLITICAL  REVOLT 


481 


turbed,”  be  said,  “ and  wliicli  the  honest  voter  everywhere  will 
plainly  comprehend,  is  this: 

“ In  the  spring  of  1869,  Mr.  Blaine,  as  Speaker,  made  a ruling 
in  favor  of  the  Little  Kock  railroad,  securing  to  it  a government 
land  grant  which  passed  on  A])ril  9,  Soon  afterward  it  ap- 
peared that  ]\Ir.  Blaine  was  very  desirous  of  obtaining  an  inter- 
est in  building  the  road,  and  on  June  29  he  wrote  to  his  friend 
Mr,  CWarren)  Fisher,  the  contractor,  who  had  made  him  some 
offer,  asking  that  Mr.  Caldwell,  who  then  controlled  the  enter- 
prise, should  make  him  (Mr.  Blaine)  a definite  proimsition  to  en- 
able him  to  acquire  the  interest  he  desired.  On  the  2d  of  July 
he  renewed  the  suggestion.  j\Ir.  Caldwell  apparently  not  re- 
sponding, Mr.  Blaine  writes  again  on  the  4th  of  October  to  his 
intennediary,  Mr.  Fisher,  and  tells  the  story  of  his  ruling,  show- 
ing that  he,  as  Speaker,  saved  the  road,  and  authorizing  Mr. 
Fisher  to  tell  IStr.  Caldwell  that  thus,  without  his  knowledge, 
tliat  he  (Mr.  Blaine)  had  done  him  a gi-eat  favor.  On  the  same 
day  he  writes  another  letter  to  Mr.  Fisher,  urging  him  to  read 
the  Globe,  which  he  sends  him,  and  see  how  narrowly,  by  means 
of  his  ruling,  the  bill  aiding  the  road  escaped  defeat.  In  the 
same  letter  INIr.  Blaine  expresses  his  natural  anxiety  to  make 
the  most  of  the  arrangement  which  he  had  already  completed 
with  Mr.  Fisher,  but  states  that  he  is  bothered  by  Mr.  Caldwell’s 
delay.  This  repeated  reference  to  his  official  action  was  ap- 
jiarently  intended  to  bring  Mr.  Caldwell  to  the  point.  . . . 

Could  the  party  venture  upon  a campaign  which  would  inevi- 
tably turn  upon  the  question  whether  its  presidential  candidate 
had  made  his  official  action  seiwe  his  personal  advantage?  ” * 

It  seems  proper  to  explain  liere  that  the  letters  referred  to  by 
Curtis  in  the  above  extract  were  the  celebrated  “ Mulligan  let- 
ters,” which  were  destined  to  become  a most  disturbing  quantity 
during  the  campaigTi.  These  letters  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
one  James  IMulligan,  who  had  been  a clerk  of  the  AVarren  Fisher 
mentioned.  In  the  investigation  of  1876  Blaine  had  pleaded 
with  Mulligan  to  suiTender  these  letters.  IMulligan  at  first  de- 
clined, but  at  length  yielded  them  on  condition  that  they  were 
to  be  returned.  Blaine  did  not  return  the  letters,  but  on  June  5, 
1876,  read  from  them  himself  before  the  Judiciaiy  Committee. 
A letter  from  Warren  Fisher  had  been  for^^arded  to  this  com- 

• Harper’s  Weekly,  May  10,  1884. 


482 


THOMAS  XAST 


inittee  for  the  purpose  of  exonerating  Blaine;  also  a cable  dis- 
patch, from  Josiah  Caldwell.  This  testimony,  for  some  reason, 
the  committee  had  withheld— perhaps  to  test  its  genuineness— 
and  Blaine  had  a moment  of  splendid  triumph,  when  he 
strode  down  the  aisle,  or,  as  Colonel  Ingersoll  expressed  it, 
“ Like  an  armed  warrior,  like  a plumed  knight,  James  G.  Blaine 
marched  down  the  halls  of  the  American  Congress  and  threw 
his  shining  lance  full  and  fair  against  the  brazen  foreheads  of 
every  traitor  to  his  country  and  every  maligner  of  his  fair  repu- 
tation.” 

Blaine  on  that  day  had  flourished  in  his  hand  a copy  of  the 
suppressed  cable  message,  and  the  sensation  had  been  so  great 
when  he  flung  it  in  the  faces  of  the  committee  and  charged  them 
with  false  dealing  that  the  nation  was  startled  into  forgetfulness 
of  the  fact  that,  after  all,  the  letters  he  had  himself  written  re- 
mained unexplained  and  unjustified,  though  neither  this  moment 
of  triumph  nor  Colonel  Ingersoll’s  eloquence  had  obtained  for 
him  the  nomination.  Now,  eight  years  later,  the  explanation 
which  did  not  explain  must  be  made  all  over,  while  the  fact  that 
he  had  broken  faith  with  Mulligan  in  not  retuniing  the  letters, 
and  that  the  press  and  American  people  would  handle  his  reputa- 
tion in  the  unsympathetic  manner  of  campaigai  debate  could  not 
have  been  a gratifying  reflection  to  the  ” Magnetic  Man  from 
]\faine.” 


FROM  BAD  TO  WORSB. 
89  mbU  for  100  ecu(& 


IKOIAN  OUTRAOCa.  BACCHUS  DROWH8  MORE  THAN  NEPTONB 


CHAPTER  LIV 

A AVUECK  AND  A EEVELATION  ' 

It  was  in  the  midst  of  this  preparation  for  a mighty  political 
warfare  that  the  coimtrA"  was  shocked  hy  a financial  disaster — 
fatal  to  an  extended  circle  of  investors,  great  and  small— includ- 
ing among  its  victims  General  U.  S.  Grant,  his  sons,  and  Thomas 
Nast,  One  morning  early  in  May  the  blighting  news  of  the  faih 
ure  of  Grant  and  "Ward  stared  at  Nast  from  the  front  page  of  his 
morning  paper.  He  turned  ghastly  and  the  perspiration  stood 
upon  his  forehead.  Then,  scarcely  above  a whisper, 

“ Grant  and  Ward  have  failed,”  he  said. 

It  seemed  a fatal  blow.  Not  a penny  of  his  savings  remained. 
Even  the  dividends  had  been  largely  reinvested.  Everything 
except  his  home  had  been  swept  away.  His  dream  of  an  inde- 
pendent paper  melted  like  the  webs  of  morning. 

The  blow  fell  even  harder  on  General  Grant.  Not  only  had  he 
lost  his  savings,  but  a few  days  before,  through  the  intercession 
of  Ward,  he  had  assisted  the  Marine  Bank  with  a loan  of  $150,- 
000,  borrowed  in  his  own  name  from  W.  II.  Vanderbilt ; and  this 
additional  liability  he  must  now  pay.  The  country’s  hero  was 


484 


THOMAS  XAST 


penniless;  worse,  for  even  the  cheques  given  to  shop-keepers 
were  returned  unhonored.  Houses,  horses  and  carriages  were 
sold.  Vanderbilt  promptly  called  for  his  loan  and  General  Grant 
unhesitatingly  tunied  over  to  him  every  l)it  of  property  he  had 
left,  even  to  his  military  trophies:  “ all  the  swords  presented  to 
him  hy  citizens  and  soldiers,  the  superb  caskets  given  him  by  the 
officials  of  the  cities  through  which  he  had  passed  on  his  way 
around  the  world,  all  the  curious  and  exquisite  souvenirs  of  China 
and  Japan.  He  spared  nothing.”  * 

Xast  fortunately  had  lost  only  the  amount  he  had  put  in. 
But  it  was  a sad  blow  in  that  it  stnick  away  the  bolster  of  his 
independence,  blighted  his  fondest  hopes  and,  what  was  still 
worse,  shook  his  confidence  in  men.  AVlien  Grant  learned  that 
"Ward  had  been  a rascal  throughout— that  there  had  been  no 
legitimate  contracts,  but  that  most,  if  not  all,  of  the  divi- 
dends had  been  paid  from  the  principal  investments — when 
he  had  signed  away  everything  and  realized  all,  he  said: 

” I have  made  it 
the  rule  of  my  life  to 
trust  a man  long 
after  other  people 
gave  him  up;  but  I 
don’t  see  how  I can 
ever  trust  any  hu- 
man being  again.” 
These  words  from 
the  old  soldier 
whose  long  trust  of 
unworthy  officials 
had  been  the  only 
shadow  on  his  polit- 

* Hamlin  Garland,  in  “ A 

THE  TAPE  THAT  ENTANGLES  BOTH  L.\RGE  AND  SMALL  Uoiliance  of  Wall  Street.” 


A WRECK  AND  A REVELATION 


485 


ical  career  might  have  been  uttered  with  equal  signifi- 
cance by  his  faithful  friend  and  supi)orter,  his  partner  now  in 
misfortune,  Thomas  Xast.  And  this,  after  all,  may  be  reckoned 
as  the  chief  sorrow  of  their  crumbled  fortunes. 

But  though  fortunes  perish,  battles  must  go  on.  The  Na- 
tional Bepublican  Convention  of  1884  was  at  hand.  Nast  did 
not  lament  over  the  downfall  of  his  hopes,  but  girded  on  his  armor 
for  war. 

The  New  York  Times  made  it  clear  that  in  event  of 
Blaine’s  nomination  it  would  decline  to  supjoort  the  ticket. 
George  Jones,  who  was  still  the  owner,  endeavored  to  get  the 
pul)lishers  of  Harper’s  Weekly  to  concord  in  a declaration  to 
that  effect,  and  it  would  seem  now  a mistake  that  this  was 
not  done.  It  would  have  precisely  suited  Nast,  while  Curtis, 
who  was  to  be  a delegate  to  the  Convention,  would  have  been 
able  exactly  to  define  his  position,  and  might  have  avoided 
much  of  the  bitterness  and  many  of  the  accusations  of  the 
trying  period  which  followed.  It  was  in  deference  to  Cur- 
tis, however,  that  the  positive  position  against  Blaine  was  not 
taken  at  this  time.  It  was  the  desire  that  Curtis  should  enter 
the  Convention  a free  man,  accountable  to  himself  only.  He 
could  hardly  have  participated  in  the  Convention  after  such  a 
manifesto;  also  it  was  hoped  that  his  wide  influence  might 
avert  disaster.  Viewed  in  perspective,  it  would  seem  that  an 
open  declaration  made  by  the  j)aper  would  have  been  more 
effective  than  the  influence  of  Curtis  as  a delegate,  and  that  the 
mistake  made  by  Curtis  was  in  not  insisting  upon  such  a state- 
ment and  resigning  from  the  delegation.  But  Curtis,  through- 
out his  career,  clung  to  the  policy  of  tactful  persuasion  and  con- 
ciliation. In  spite  of  repeated  lessons,  it  was  not  in  his  nature  to 
understand  that  such  methods  are  likely  to  avail  as  little  in  a 
political  convention  as  with  a pack  of  wild  hyenas,  tearing  one 
another  in  a cage.  Had  Fletcher  Harper  been  alive  it  may  be 


48G 


THOMAS  XAST 


set  down  as  certain  that  the  radical  policy  of  the  Times  would 
have  prevailed. 

As  to  an  acceptable  candidate,  opinions  in  Franklin  Square 
were  somewhat  divided.  Curtis  was  favorable  to  Senator  Ed- 
munds of  Vennont,  as  were  also  several  members  of  the  Harper 
firm.  Nast  was  firmly  for  President  Arthur,  as  was  J.  Henry 
Haqier,  who  had  the  general  supeiwision  of  the  AVeekly  at  this 
time.  It  was  on  the  eve  of  the  Convention,  during  a call  made 
by  these  two  on  President  Arthur  at  the  Hoffman  House,  that 
certain  inner  details  of  the  Garfield-Conkling  rupture  were  made 
known  to  them. 

Mr.  Harper  and  Nast  had  called  for  the  purpose  of  urging  the 
President  to  make  a more  definite  personal  effort  to  win  the 
nomination.  They  believed  that  a combination  might  l>e  made 
which  would  defeat  Blaine  and  leave  victory  in  Arthur’s  hands. 
He  listened  to  all  their  suggestions  and  admitted  that  he  greatly 
desired  the  honor  of  the  nomination,  yet  he  would  make  no  spe- 
cial effort  to  obtain  it. 

“ I will  accept  it  of  course  if  it  falls  to  me,”  he  said,  “ but  I 
can  do  no  more.  “ I ought  not  to  do  that.  I am  far  from  a well 
man,  and  it  is  likely  that  I shall  not  survive  the  administration. 
Xo,  I can’t  do  any  more.  I can’t  do  it!  ” 

Nobody  spoke  for  several  seconds,  then  Arthur  regarded  Xast 
gravely. 

” Do  you  recall  that  you  once  caricatured  me  as  a boot- 
black,”  he  asked,  “ polishing  the  shoes  of  Platt  and  Conkling!  ” 

Xast  nodded  unhappily. 

“ I do,  Mr.  President,”  he  said. 

” It  hurt  me,”  continued  Arthur.  ” It  hurt  me  terribly.  Yet 
you  were  quite  right — far  more  so  than  you  knew — though  not 
altogether  in  the  way  you  thought.” 

Then  he  related  the  circumstances  of  that  political  bargain 
whose  harvest  had  been  a national  tragedy. 


A JriiL'CK  AND  A REVELATION 


487 


“ "With  the  Maine  election  of  1880,”  he  said,  “ matters  began 
to  look  bad  for  our  ticket,  and  Mr.  Gaidield  agreed  ■with  me  that 
we  must  in  some  manner  enlist  Conkling  and  Platt  in  our  cause. 
I advised  that  we  come  to  New  York  to  see  them,  and  we  did  so. 
^Meantime,  they  had  hoard  we  were  coming,  and  had  taken  train 
for  Albany.  They  refused  to  meet  Garfield,  who  then  suggested 
that  I see  them  and  make  any  arrangement  that  would  bring 
them  into  line.  T saw  them,  and  they  at  first  declined  to  believe 
in  my  assurance  of  Gai-field’s  good  faith.  ‘ Gentlemen,’  T said, 
‘ I pledge  you  my  word  as  a man  of  honor  that  Mr.  Garfield  made 
me  that  promise,  and  that  I will  undertake  to  see  it  earned 
out.’ 

” It  was  then  understood  among  us  that  Conkling  and  Platt 
should  control  the  Xew  York  patronage,  and  it  was  with  this 
assurance  that  they  worked  for  the  ticket.  Grant  came  back 
from  the  M^est  and  took  the  stump  with  Conkling,  and  everything 
was  done  by  Platt  and  Conkling  as  agreed.  You  know  what 
happened  after  the  election.  I need  not  go  all  over  that.  But  there 
is  one  thing  you  do  not  know.  It  is  true  I went  to  Albany  again 
— I did  so  far  descend  from  the  dignity  of  my  office  as  to  go  to  see 
Platt  and  Conkling,  but  I did  not  go  to  conciliate  them.  It  was 
worse  than  that— much  worse.  I went  to  Albany  that  last  time 
because  they  sent  for  me  to  come.  I went  on  their  order  to  come 
and  explain  why  I had  not  made  good  my  pledge.  They  knew  I 
would  not  refuse  to  come,  and  I did  go,  and  I humbled  myself  for 
not  having  been  able  to  keep  my  plighted  faith.  Now  you  under- 
stand why  your  picture  was  even  truer  than  you  could  know.” 

During  the  final  sentences  the  President’s  voice  had  broken, 
and  when  he  finished,  the  tears  were  streaming  down  his  cheeks. 
A gentleman  of  gentlemen— ill,  and  already  nearing  the  doorway 
of  death— the  memory  of  his  broken  pledge  and  his  humiliation 
he  could  not  calmly  recall. 


THE  GREAT  CANVASSER 
J.  B.  {devilish  sly)—*'  Civil  Service  Reform ! I just  love  it  t In 
fact,  I’m  a re^Iar  masher  ou  that  subject/* 


SENATORS  HOAR  AND  HAWLEY  ACCEPT  BLAINE 
First  abhor,  then  endure,  then  embrace! 


('H AFTER  T.V 

A MIGHTY  MAKING  OF  IlISTOHY 

The  Republican  National  Convention  assembled  in  the  Exjiosi- 
tion  Hall  in  Chicago  on  June  3,  A larger  crowd  gathered 
than  ever  before,  and  there  was  more  bitterness  of  feeling.  All 
sorts  of  scandalous  stories  were  told.  It  was  declared  that 
“ five  hundred  dollars  in  money  and  a good  office  ” were  prom- 
ised for  Blaine  delegates  in  event  of  his  election.  “ Everybody  is 
aware  that  Clayton  was  promised  the  portfolio  of  Secretarj"  of 
the  Interior  if  he  would  deliver  the  Arkansas  delegation  to 
Blaine,”  was  the  statement  of  one  leading  New  York  correspond- 
ent. The  fight  of  1880  had  been  a battle  between  vast  opposing 
forces.  This  was  a civil  war,  with  all  its  malice  and  personal 
hostility. 

Theodore  Roosevelt  was  a member  of  the  New  York  delegation 
and  George  "William  Curtis  was  selected  as  its  chairman.  Thomas 
C.  Platt  was  likewise  in  attendance,  and,  strangely  enough,  had 


A MIGHTY  MAKING  OF  HISTORY 


489 


so  far  and  so  soon  forgotten  old  injuries  as  to  declare  for 
Blaine. 

That  the  Blaine  sentiment  was  very  general  was  manifest. 
Curtis  said  aftei*wards  that  it  was  “essentially  a Blaine  con- 
vention,” and  he  must  have  immediately  realized  his  mistake 
in  having  hoped  to  stem  the  tide.  Still,  able  men  who  were 
present  have  thought  it  not  impossible  that  had  a proper  com- 
bination been  fonned,  or  a startling  initiative  been  taken— some 
seizing  of  the  tide  at  its  flood — there  might  have  been  a turn 
which  would  have  caught  up  and  home  a different  captain  to 
victory. 

Blaine,  Arthur,  and  Edmunds  were  ably  put  in  nomination,  the 
last-named  being  gracefully  seconded  by  Curtis.  None  of  the 
speeches  equalled  Conkling’s  Appomattox  oration  of  four  years 
before,  and  no  such  excitement  followed,  though  the  name  of 
Blaine  awoke  an  enthusiasm  which  approached  frenzy  when 
Judge  "West,  the  blind  speaker  of  Ohio,  presented  it  to  the 
thirteen  thousand  listening  people. 

In  fact,  politically,  it  was  Blaine’s  time.  He  had  been  faithful 
to  party,  and  had  lived  long  for  this  hour.  More  than  this,  he 
had  a definite  place  in  the  hearts  of  the  people,  who  were  willing 
to  forget  or  to  overlook  irregularities  all  too  common  to  politics 
for  the  sake  of  the  patriot  and  statesman  of  the  past.  In  addi- 
tion to  these  things,  the  memory  of  a murdered  President,  whose 
tenderness  for  Blaine  had  been  manifest  to  the  very  end,  was  just 
the  sort  of  sentiment  to  sway  powerfully  the  American  heart. 

An  attempt  on  the  second  day  to  pledge  delegates  to  support 
the  nominee,  whoever  he  might  prove,  was  promptly  opposed  by 
Curtis,  who  asked  the  Convention  “ to  assume  that  every  dele- 
gate was  an  honest  and  an  honorable  man.” 

“ A Bepublican  and  a free  man  I came  to  this  convention,” 
he  said,  “ and,  by  the  grace  of  God,  a Bepublican  and  a free  man 
I will  go.” 


490 


THOMAS  NAST 


On  the  first  ballot  Blaine’s  vote  was  335^,  Arthur’s  279. 
Edmunds  of  Vermont  and  Logan  of  Illinois  had  93  and  674, 
respectively.  It  seemed  that  if  a proper  combination  coiild  be 
made  Blaine  might  be  defeated.  But  this  was  not  altogether 
clear.  A large  element  of  the  scattering  vote  was  known  to  be  a 
masked  Blaine  support,  which  at  the  slightest  signal  of  alann 
would  be  hurried  to  his  rescue.  An  attempt  to  combine  the 
Arthur  and  Edmund  forces  failed. 

By  the  third  ballot  Blaine  had  375  votes,  and  it  became  evi- 
dent that  the  fourth  ballot  would  be  the  last.  Then,  suddenly, 
pandemonium  reigned.  Everybody  seemed  to  be  on  his  feet  at 
once.  Theodore  Roosevelt,  young,  eager  and  athletic,  stood  up 
in  his  seat,  wildly  swinging  his  arms  to  attract  the  chairman’s 
attention.  Surely,  if  ever,  this  was  flood  tide,  and  amid  the 
riot  of  it  all  there  were  calls  for  Curtis — Curtis  of  New  York! 

It  was  the  supreme  instant  in  a convention  when  a dark  horse 
may  appear.  Perhaps  it  was  the  psychological  moment  in  the 
life  of  a wise  and  able  man  whose  constitutional  lack  of  initiative 
— of  doing  the  bold  and  unusual  thing — lost  him  that  golden 
opportunity'  which  is  said  to  come  once  into  every'  life.  Had 
George  "William  Curtis  leajied  to  his  feet  in  answer  to  that  call 
and  made  a ringing,  patriotic  speech  for  refonn,  such  a speech 
as  he  could  make  when  aroused,  who  shall  say'  that  the  Conven- 
tion might  not  have  been  swayed  by'  a man  whose  life  and  record 
and  purpose  were  known  to  be  clean,  and  then  and  there  chosen 
him  as  its  leader.  If  Curtis  was  ever  a presidential  possibility', 
it  was  in  that  moment,  which  passed  as  the  breaking  of  a billow, 
and  was  gone.  Blaine  was  chosen  on  the  fourth  ballot,  and  John 
A.  Logan  was  accorded  the  second  place.  Confused  and  dazed, 
Curtis  acquiesced  in  the  nominations,  thus  letting  pass  another 
opportunity'  for  placing  himself  officially'  on  record  against  a 
ticket  to  which  later  he  must  refuse  his  support. 

Immediately'  he  wired  that  he  would  telegraph  an  editorial 


A MIGHTY  MAKING  OF  HISTORY 


491 


against  Blaine,  and  added  a word  for  Nast.  But  presently  lie 
remembered  that  lie  had  acquiesced  in  the  nominations.  Boose- 
velt  and  others  who  had  pursued  a like  course  considered  them- 
selves pledged  to  the  ticket.  He  had  said,  “ A free  man  I came 
to  this  convention,  and,  please  God,  a free  man  T will  go.”  Ee- 
flecting  upon  the  matter  now,  he  was  not  so  sure.  The  editorial 
against  Blaine  was  not  telegraphed.  The  situation  was  very 
hard. 

Xast  called  briefly  at  the  Harper  office  on  the  moniing  after  the 
nomination,  at  which  time  no  word  from  Curtis  had  been  re- 
ceived. Later  in  the  day  came  the  following  letter: 

Franklin  Square,  June  7,  1884. 

My  dear  Xast : 

As  I told  you  this  morning,  the  Ann  will  talk  over  the  situa- 
tion on  IMonday,  by  which  time  1 hope  Mr.  Curtis  will  have  re- 
turned. ^Meanwhile  he  will  telegraph  from  Chicago  an  editorial 
against  Blaine  (which  has  not  yet  come),  and  he,  Mr.  Curtis, 
adds,  ” It  is  now  a good  time  for  Xast.” 

Yours  faithfully, 

J.  W.  Harper,  Jr. 

By  Monday  Curtis  had  returned  to  face,  in  the  columns  of 
numerous  journals,  severe  criticism  from  those  who  believed  that 
he,  with  Eoosevelt,  had  precipitated  the  nomination  of  Blaine  by 
failing  to  combine  with  the  Arthur  forces.  The  Commercial 
Advertiser  characterized  them  as  the  ‘‘  Holier  than  thou  ” Ke- 
publicans,  who  had  insisted  on  Edmunds  or  nothing,  and  added 
that  it  hoped  they  were  satisfied  with  their  work.  The  Adver- 
tiser, it  may  be  added,  eventually  allowed  party  to  prevail,  and 
supported  Blaine.  The  Times  promptly  repeated  its  declaration 
of  independence,  and  prophesied  Blaine’s  defeat. 

” That  defeat  will  be  the  salvation  of  the  Republican  party,” 
it  added.  ” It  will  arouse  its  torpid  conscience;  it  will  stir  it  to 
purification.  ’ ’ AVhich  may  be  said  to  have  been  a very  excellent 
prophecy  indeed. 

The  Evening  Post  and  the  Herald  declared  against  the  ticket, 


493 


THOMAS  NAST 


as  well  as  many  of  the  foremost  Eepuhlican  journals  East  and 
West.  The  Tribune  remained  loyal  to  its  party,  and  Mr.  Dana  — 
who  had  supported  Greeley,  Tilden  and  Hancock— perhaps  to 
maintain  his  paper’s  tradition  for  being  always  on  the  losing 
side — advocated  the  cause  of  the  greenback  candidate,  General 
Butler,  which  was  equivalent  to  a support  of  Blaine. 

Arriving  at  the  Harper  office,  still  dazed  and  depressed,  Curtis 
quickly  learaed  that  the  Weekly  would  not  give  the  ticket  its 
support.  Personally  he  was  glad,  but  the  fact  did  not  lighten  his 
burden.  Had  it  been  possible  to  separate  his  individual  from 
his  editorial  capacity,  as  it  is  in  these  days  of  impersonal  jour- 
nalism, the  problem  might  have  been  solved  by  giving  a jiro- 
fessional  support  to  the  journal,  while  according  his  personal 
vote  and  influence  to  Blaine.  With  Curtis  no  such  a separation 
was  possible  or  even  considered.  He  must  revoke  his  acquies- 
cence in  the  Chicago  Convention  or  he  must  resign  his  editor- 
ship. In  the  Saratoga  Convention  of  1879  he  had  “ distinctly 
voted  against  making  Coniell’s  nomination  unanimous— the 
only  protest  then  possible,”  as  his  paper  at  the  time  bad  de- 
clared. He  had  made  no  such  protest  in  Chicago  on  an  issue 
of  far  greater  magnitude.  Even  should  he  resign,  it  would  be 
to  remain  comparatively  neutral— a position  abhorrent  to  him. 
“ A neutral  in  politics  is  like  a neutral  in  sex,”  he  had  once 
said  in  a letter  to  Nast.  The  more  he  considered,  the  more  diffi- 
cult seemed  his  plight.  For  the  first  time  he  seemed  inclined  to 
lean  upon  the  positive  individuality  of  Xast. 

Two  of  the  firm— John  W.  Harper  and  .Joseph  W.  Harper,  Jr. — 
with  Curtis  and  Nast,  adjourned  to  a nearby  restaurant  for  lunch- 
eon and  further  discussion.  The  situation  was  fully  gone  over, 
and  it  was  agreed  that  Blaine  was  not  entitled  to  their  support. 
Yet  Curtis,  with  the  old  reluctance  to  strike  a blow  beyond  recall, 
was  willing  to  temporize — to  wait.  When  the  Democratic  nom- 
ination was  made,  it  might  become  a choice  of  two  evils. 


A MIGHTY  MAKING  OF  HISTORY 


493 


Xast  had  said  very  little  up  to  this  point.  Ilis  views  were  well 
known  and  needed  no  emphasis.  Xow,  however,  he  was  gen- 
uinely irritated. 

“ It  is  the  business  of  the  Independents  to  dictate  that  nomi- 
nation! ” he  said  hotly.  “ Speaking  for  myself,  I positively 
decline  to  support  Blaine,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  even  if 
the  Democrats  should  nominate  the  Devil  himself.”  He  turned 
to  John  Harper.  ” 'Will  you  support  Blaine?  ” he  asked. 

“ Xo,”  answered  Mr.  Harper  solemnly. 

Joseph  Harper  also  shook  his  head. 

“ 'We  cannot  support  Blaine,”  he  declared,  “ and  we  must 
state  our  position  immediately.  AVe  must  have  a good  strong 
editorial  on  the  subject  in  our  next  issue.” 

“ Yes,  make  it  as  strong  as  you  like,  Mr.  Curtis,”  said  John 
Harper. 

Xast’s  irritation  was  still  dominant. 

“ Make  it  stronger  than  you  like,  ^Ir.  Curtis,”  he  added. 

Curtis  rose  and  bowed  gravely. 

“ It  shall  he  prepared  immediately,”  he  said. 


TOO  HEA^’V  TO  CARRY 


PRIVATE  AND  PERSONAL. 


No...c^^r 


Mr.. 


You  are  invited  to  take  part  in  the  consultation  in 
regard  to  the  action  necessitated  by  the  results  of  the 
Republican  Convention,  ^ be  held  at  the  residence  of 
J.  Henry  Harper,  Esq.,«^  Madison  Avenue,  on  Tuesday 
evening,  June  17th,  at  eight  o’clock. 


As  the  consultation  is  private,  you  are  asked  to  hand  this  card  to  the 
attendant  at  the  door,  signing  it  on  the  back.  If  it  be  not  possible  for  you 
to  be  present,  kindly  return  this  card  at  once,  with  any  expression  of  your 
opinion,  to  George  Haven  Putnam,  27  West  23d  Street,  New  York. 


chaptp:k  lvi 

FOR  FRESH) EXT,  GROVER  CLEVELAXD 

The  declaration  of  revolt  appeared  in  the  AVeehly  of  June  14, 
though  on  the  9th  the  position  of  Franklin  Square  vras  announced 
by  the  press.  In  the  same  issue  there  vras  a cartoon  from  Xast 
—the  Ttepublican  Filephant,  its  hack  broken  by  the  weight  of  the 
political  “ magnet.”  In  the  issue  following  there  appeared  a 
double  page— the  Republican  Party  as  the  daughter  of  Vir- 
ginius,  about  to  be  slain  liy  her  father,  rather  than  to  submit  to 
“ Appius  Claudius  ” Blaine.  Editorially  the  "Weekly  stated  its 
])Osition,  which,  in  brief,  was  Nation  before  Party.  In  taking  this 
stand  the  publishers  had  fully  considered  the  possibility  of 
large  pecuniary  loss. 

No  political  rebellion  ever  created  such  a stir  as  this.  It  was 
literally  a “ shot  heard  round  the  world.”  The  apostasy  of 
other  papers  was  forgotten  in  the  wild  assaults  of  old  and  time- 
tried  friends  on  the  Journal  of  Civilization.  As  for  Curtis  and 
Nast,  they  were  pilloried  and  crucified— drawn,  quartered,  and 


DEATH  BEFORE  DISHONOR 
ViRoiNius— “ Ou  thcc,  ami  on  tliy  licad  bo  this  blood! 


496 


THOMAS  NASr 


buried  at  low  water  mark.  Other  editors  and  other  caiioonists 
might  pass  from  one  policy,  or  from  one  paper  to  another, 
almost  without  comment.  "With  these  two  it  was  different.  Cur- 
tis was  denounced  as  a traitor  who  had  broken  faith;  Nast  was 
branded  as  a hired  assassin.  Old  friends  wrote  to  him,  pleading 
or  denouncing.  Below  are  a few  specimen  extracts: 

One  more  such  effort  from  your  ])en  will  sweep  away  your 
world-wide  reputation  and  make  Harper’s  Weekly  accursed 
among  men. 

Oh,  Xast,  how  art  the  mighty  fallen!  How  weak  in  a bad 
cause  has  he  become,  who  for  years  has  been  such  a Sampson 
in  a good  one. 

Wliy  in  the  name  of  all  that’s  sacred  will  you  cater  to  the 
devilishness  of  George  William  Curtis,  when  it  is  like  a dose  of 
quinine  to  you  every  time?  I know  well  enough  you  are  not  in 
sympathy  with  a single  cartoon  issued  by  Harper’s  Weekly. 

The  last  was  signed  “ admirer,”  and  another  old  “ admirer,” 
in  pleasanter  humor,  wrote: 

I will  close  by  asking  as  much  as  the  man  who  met  the  bear. 
“ Oh,  God,  help  me  to  win  the  fight,  but  if  you  can’t  help  me,  for 
God’s  sake  don’t  help  the  bear!  ” 

Even  Xasby  went  l)ack  on  his  old  friend,  and  published  an 
“ X-Eoads  ” letter  in  which  he  said: 

IMr.  Xast  had  better  quit  taking  Homan  subjex  and  fly  back 
to  the  tropix.  The  best  thing  he  kin  do  is  to  fall  back  on  his 
reglar  pictur  of  a elephant  with  his  back  broke  by  somebody’s 
dimin’  onto  it,  with  the  legend  under,  ‘ Broken  at  Last.’  This 
is  his  best  holt.  He  has  outlived  everything  else.  I wish  I’d 
spent  mi  $4.00  sent  Harper’s  at  Bascoms. 

The  change  of  front  likewise  inspired  numerous  verses,  of 
which  the  following  from  Judge  is  a fair  specimen: 

Poor,  poor  T.  Xast, 

Thy  day  is  past— 

Thy  bolt  is  shot,  thy  die  is  cast— 

Thy  pencil  point 
Is  out  of  joint— 

Thy  pictures  lately  disappoint. 


FOR  PRESIDENT.  GROVER  CLEVELAND 


497 


It  now  became  important  that  the  Independents  should  unite 
with  the  Democrats  upon  some  man  acceptable  to  all.  Of  these 
Grover  Cleveland  was  naturally  first  choice,  with  Bayard  of 
Delaware  as  a possibility.  Cleveland  was  far  more  acceptable 
to  the  Independents  than  he  was  to  a large  element  of  his  own 
party,  but  it  was  believed  that  for  the  sake  of  a President,  Democ- 
racy as  a whole  would  support  him.  It  was  decided  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  representative  Independent  Eepublicans  for  the 
purpose  of  more  complete  organization,  as  well  as  to  pass  reso- 
lutions that  might  influence  the  Democratic  choice.  This  meet- 
ing took  place  on  the  evening  of  June  17,  at  269  Madison 
Avenue,  the  home  of  J.  Henry  Harper.  Colonel  T.  W. 
Higginson  called  the  assembly  to  order,  and  George  ‘William 
Curtis  was  chosen  as  chairman.  It  was  a very  private  affair, 
as  the  special  ticket  of  admission  shows.  Some  of  the  foremost 
men  of  the  country'  were  pres- 
ent. Others  sent  letters  of  en- 
couragement and  approval. 

Benjamin  H.  Bristow  wrote, 

“As  a Eepublican  I feel  it  is  my 
duty  not  to  vote  for  Blaine.” 

Henr}’  Ward  Beecher  said, 

“ Put  me  down  against  Blaine 
one  hundred  times  in  letters 
two  feet  long.” 

Josiah  Quincy,  Richard  II. 

Dana  and  Samuel  Hoar  were 
among  those  present  from  Bos- 

ton.  Several  of  the  Harjoer  firm,  E.  L.  Burlingame,  Henr^^  Holt, 
Hast  and  many  other  Xew  York  representatives  were  there. 
Men  from  Chicago,  St.  Louis  and  other  Western  cities  likewise 
attended.  Carl  Schurz  was  actively  present,  and  prepared  reso- 
lutions condemning  the  Eepublican  nominees,  adding  that: 

32 


498 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ We  look  witli  solicitude  to  the  coming  nomination  of  the 
Democratic  Party.  They  have  the  proper  men.  We  hope  they 
will  ])ut  them  before  the  people.” 

The  names  of  possible  candidates  were  not  embodied  in  these 
resolutions,  hut  it  was  orally  agreed  that  such  men  as  Cleveland 
and  Bayard  would  receive  the  Independent  support.  The  move- 
ment which  was  to  make  Grover  Cleveland  President  had  crj^s- 
tallized. 

The  Blaine  jiress  hailed  this  beginning  with  fierce  derision 
and  ribald  epithets.  They  refeiTed  to  the  “ Nast-y  Particular 
Party,”  and  finally  dubbed  the  Independents  “ Mugwumps,”  an 
old  word  which  sprang  into  renewed  existence,  and  suiwived. 

Upon  the  Democratic  leaders  the  efi'ect  of  the  meeting  was 
prompt  and  profound.  When  their  National  Convention  gath- 
ered in  Chicago  it  was  pretty  evident  that  Grover  Cleveland 
would  be  the  nominee.  To  be  sure,  John  Kelly  declared  on  the 
day  before  the  balloting  that  Tammany  would  not  support  Cleve- 
land, though  the  fact  that  Tammany,  with  its  doubtful  tradi- 
tions, opposed  the  refonn  candidate,  would  seem  to  have  made 
more  certain  his  nomination. 

“ We  love  him  most  for  the  enemies  he  has  made,”  was  the 
sentiment  expressed  by  General  Bragg  of  Wisconsin,  and  widely 
echoed  throughout  the  assembly.  The  voting  took  place  July  11, 
and  it  required  only  the  second  ballot  to  make  Grover  Cleveland 
the  chosen  nominee.  As  a concession  to  the  old-line  Democrats, 
Thomas  J.  Hendricks  was  selected  to  complete  the  ticket. 

The  latter  half  of  the  ticket  did  not  gratify  a majority  of  the 
independents,  yet  it  proved  fortunate  for  Cleveland.  Hendricks 
was  acceptable  to  Tammany  and  it  was  doubtless  through 
him  that  Kelly  and  his  following  were  eventually  brought  into 
line. 

Throughout  June  both  Curtis  and  Nast  had  been  assailing 
Blaine— the  pictures  usually  showing  him  as  a canvasser  with 


FOR  PRESIDENT,  GROVER  CLEVELAND 


499 


liis  “ Twenty  Year  ” record,  or  perhaps  donning’  a clean  shirt  of 
reform,  which,  through  lack  of  familiarity  with  the  gannent,  he 
was  inclined  to  wear  topside  down.  In  the  issue  following  the 
Democratic  nominations  the  editorial  colunm  was  headed. 

For  President, 

Grover  Cleveland  of  New  York, 

the  name  of  Hendricks  being  conspicuous  by  its  absence.  Below 
was  an  editorial  in  support  of  Cleveland,  in  which  Curtis  said: 

So  firm  and  clean  and  independent  in  his  high  office  has 
Grover  Cleveland  shown  himself  to  be,  that  he  is  denounced  as 
not  being  a Democrat  by  the  Democrats  themselves. 

The  same  issue  contained  a page  cartoon  by  Nast  conveying 
practically  the  same  idea— a full-length  portrait  of  “A  Man 
with  a Clean 


Record,”  stiff  and 
unl)ending  in  his  at- 
titude for  better 
government.  The 
position  olHariDer’s 
"Weekly  was  thus 
clearly  defined,  and 
its  leading  forces, 

Curtis  and  Nast, 
more  closely  linked 
than  at  any  time 
since  the  Tweed  cru- 
sade, with  the  gi’eat- 
est  good  feeling, 
were  pulling  side  by 
side  in  this  their 

SUCCESSFUL  CAXDIDATES  HAVE  ALWAYS  STOPPED  AT  THE 

last  great  campaig^l.  fifth  avenue  hotel,  the  consequences 


TRB  VERDICT 


TROTTING  OUT  THE  CA^IP-UGN  LIES 
(George  Jones,  Nast  and  Curtis,  as  cartooned  by  “ Chip  ”) 


CHAPTER  LVII 

TIIJ]  UPHEAVAL  OF  1884 

The  “ Mugwump  ” revolt  was  a political  upheaval  without 
parallel  in  this  nation.  Even  the  "War  of  the  Rebellion  had  been 
mainly  geographical,  and  the  outgrowth  of  tremendous  issues, 
long  debated  and  clearly  defined.  The  civil  revolution  of  1884 
was  universally  outspread — a division  in  hamlets  and  families — 
a battle  of  leaders.  North,  South,  East  and  "West  it  raged, 
and  whatever  were  the  points  of  political  difference  in  the 
beginning,  these  were  presently  forgotten  in  a rancorous  con- 
tention as  to  the  personal  shortcomings  of  the  candidates. 

Religious  communities  were  divided.  Blaine  church  officers 
refused  to  confer  with  an  Independent  church  pastor,  Blaino 
church  members  changed  their  pews  to  avoid  intercourse  with 
Independent  Republicans.  A Blaine  newspaper,  commenting  on 
the  fact  that  Nast  had  agreed  to  deliver  a lecture  in  aid  of  one  of 
the  Morristown  churches,  said:  “It  is  iiossible  that  sc\me  self- 


J 


THE  r PH E AVAL  OF  188^ 


501 


respecting  Eepublicans  may  be  found  among  his  audience,  but 
\re  hope  they  are  not  many,”  Boycotts  against  Independent 
merchants  were  attempted.  In  some  places  newsdealers  were 
obliged  to  discontinue  handling  the  "Weekly  to  retain  their  trade. 

Press  comment  was  vitriolic  and  filled  with  malice.  The  per- 
sonality of  the  candidates  became  the  only  issue.  Every  previous 
public  or  private  act  of  either  was  microscopically  scrutinized, 
and  exploited  for  good  or  evil.  Not  only  were  political  flaws 
sought  out,  but  old  personal  scandals  were  exhumed  and  paraded 
in  public  view.  The  American  people  can  hardly  recall  with 
pride  a campaign  wherein  a large  number  of  its  newspapers 
and  citizens  forgot  national  and  party  principles  in  magnify- 
ing and  sowing  broadcast  every  manner  of  detestable  report  con- 
cerning its  presidential  candidates. 

Next  to  these  chosen  leaders,  Curtis  and  Nast  became  the 
victims  of  newspaper  violence.  Ever}"  Blaine  organ  in  the  land 
took  occasion  in  almost  every  issue  to  point  out  their  iniquity, 
and  to  prophecy  their  imminent  degradation  and  downfall.  Some 
did  not  wait  for  it  to  arrive.  One  Pennsylvania  editor  printed 
at  the  head  of  his  editorial  colunm:  “ Tom  Nast,  the  libellous 
caricaturist,  has  become  a drunken  sot  and  a bar-room  loafer,”  a 
statement  so  wide  of  any  present  or  future  possibility  that  it 
gave  the  artist  pleasure  to  exhibit  it  to  his  family  and  friends. 

In  the  colored  caricatures  of  “ Judge,”  Curtis  and  Nast  rarely 
failed  to  figure.  Curtis,  who  had  always  deplored  caricature 
as  applied  to  men  of  attainments,  now  found  himself  the  victim 
of  the  grossest  pictorial  satire.  Hamilton  and  Frank  Beard 
never  missed  an  opportunity  of  presenting  him  as  a saint,  a cir- 
cus performer,  or  a “ Miss  Nancy  ” in  slippers  or  gaiters,  frilled 
trousers  and  corsets,  usually  grinding  an  organ,  while  Nast, 
as  a monkey,  performed  at  his  command.  Nast’s  own  ideas 
and  symbols  were  turned  against  him  by  the  picture-makers 
of  the  other  side.  His  old  co-laborer,  A.  E.  Waud,  included  him 


503 


THOMAS  NAST 


witli  Curtis  in  an  army  of  tatterdemalions,  who  followed  their 
“ Falstaff,”  Cleveland.  He  was  associated  with  the  ghost  of 
Tweed,  who  grasps  his  hand  cordially,  saying: 

“ Go  right  along.  You  are  now  arrayed  against  inj"  old  enemy, 
the  Republican  Party.”  The  caricature  in  these  was  carried  to 
the  extreme  limits  of  grotesque  and  often  vulgar  exaggeration. 
They  were  deadly  torture  to  Curtis.  Xast  they  only  amused 
and  spuiTed  to  gi’eater  things.  It  was  the  second  great  “ Cam- 
paign of  Caricature,”  and  this  time  Nast  had  more  worthy  foe- 
men,  though  he  was  likewise  not  without  valuable  allies.  Beni- 
hard  Gillam’s  “ Tattooed  Man  ” will  be  long  remembered.  Its 
first  introduction  was  the  result  of  the  Weekly  Puck  conference, 
where  it  was  decided  to  caricature  the  various  candidates  as 
the  freaks  in  a dime  museum.  It  was  Mr.  Schwartzmann  who 
proposed  that  Blaine  should  be  tattooed  with  his  record,  which 
feature  j^roved  a distinct  success.  Certainly  the  Independents, 
with  Gillam,  Keppler,  and  Nast  had  the  strong  side  of  caricature 
in  the  campaign  of  1881.  Speaking  of  this  fact,  the  London  Pall 
Mall  Budget,  said:  ” If  caricature  decided  the  election,  Mr. 
Blaine’s  chances  would  be  hopeless.  Unfortunately  ridicule  does 
not  kill  in  the  United  States,” 

Among  the  measures  used  against  Harper’s  Weekly  was  the 
reprinting  of  Nast’s  fonner  caricatures  of  Carl  Schurz,  who  was 
now  a co-worker  against  Blaine.  These,  with  satirical  English 
and  German  text,  were  scattered  broadcast,  as  were  also  the 
Cleveland  caricatures  of  1882,  though  the  latter  had  been  too 
good-natured  to  prove  effective  now,  A further  endeavor  was 
made  to  show  that  Harper’s  had  been  a Blaine  organ  hitherto,  in 
reply  to  which,  the  Weekly  republished  ten  of  Nast’s  Blaine  car- 
toons, which  had  appeared  during  the  five  preceding  years. 

It  was  essentially  a Nast  campaign,  a battle  of  fierce  onslaught 
and  destructive  blows,  and  as  the  summer  waned  the  onslaughts 
became  more  frequent  and  the  blows  becanle  ever  more  severe. 


THE  UPHEAVAL  OF  188^. 


503 


The  association  of 
Blaine  -with  Jay 
Gonld  was  a matter 
of  mncli  disciis- 
sion,  and  the  face  of 
the  great  railway 
magnate  frequently 
appears  in  the  car- 
toons. That  ^Ir. 

Gould  did  not  ap- 
preciate this  is 
shown  by  the  fact  of 
his  anxiety  for  a 
personal  interview 
with  the  cartoonist. 

Nast  finally  ac- 

^ . . *4.  j.'  “ OUU  FRIENDS,  THE  ENEMY” 

cepted  his  invitation  charmino  M'idow— “Ohl  you  nmigUty,  naughty  men,  will  you  ever 

to  a luncheon  dlir-  abuse  your  good,  true  and  beautiful  one  ayam/” 

ing  which  the  man  of  bonded  millions  put  in  most  of  his  time 
explaining  that  peace  has  its  generals  no  less  than  war.  They 
were  no  more  to  be  reprehended,  he  said,  than  conquerors 
like  Julius  Ca*sar  or  the  first  Napoleon— an  argument  not 
especially  convincing,  considering  that  these  great  examples 
had  spent  most  of  their  lives  in  smearing  the  world  with  blood. 

General  Butler’s  nomination  by  the  Greenback  and  Anti-:Mon- 
opoly  parties,  and  that  of  John  P.  St.  John,  of  Kansas,  by  the 
Prohibition  contingent,  somewhat  complicated  the  political 
situation.  St.  John  it  was  believed,  would  draw  strength  from 
the  Blaine  forces,  while  Butler  was  likely  to  secure  a very  consid- 
erable number  of  otherwise  Democratic  votes.  The  affectionate 
attention  of  the  Blaine  editors  to  Butler  became  the  subject  of 
an  especially  humorous  cartoon  by  Nast,  and  the  sudden  appari- 
tion of  St.  John  before  the  “ Plumed  Knight  ” was  supposed 


504 


THOMAS  NAST 


to  depict  the  alanii  inspired  by  the  Prohibition  candidate  in 
the  l)osom  of  Blaine.  In  another  picture  Blaine  is  shown  as  a 
jDrestidigitateur  making  water  or  beer  disappear  at  will. 

As  the  day  of  election  drew  near  the  public  mind  became  daily 
more  biased  in  its  attitude  toward  the  political  leaders,  the  pub- 
lic vision  became  constantly  more  distorted.  No  epithet  was 
so  violent  or  so  foul  as  to  be  withheld.  No  chapter  was  too  per- 
sonal or  too  sacred  to  be  blazoned  along  the  highways  and  in  the 
public  prints.  Yet  fierce  as  were  the  cartoons  by  Nast,  they 
adhered  strictly  to  the  political  situation,  touching  only  upon 
such  personalities  as  were  inseparable  from  Blaine’s  public 
career. 

And  of  these  there  would  seem  to  have  been  sufficient. 
Various  transactions  had  already  developed  wherein  Blaine’s 
political  deportment  had  not  been  wholly  independent  of  personal 
advantage,  yet  all  became  as  nothing  compared  with  the  ex- 
posure which  came  at  the  end  of  September.  The  Independent 
managers  had  been  at  work  with  James  Mulligan  and  "VVarren 
Fisher,  with  the  result  that  they  had  obtained  evidence  that  the 
letter  and  telegram  of  exoneration,  sent  to  the  Judiciary  Com- 
mittee in  187G  by  Fisher  and  Caldwell,  had  been  written  at 
Blaine’s  own  dictation— that  the  vindication  had,  in  fact,  been 
arranged!  Mulligan  and  Fisher  now  unburdened  themselves 
fully  in  the  matter,  and  Harper’s  Weekly,  of  September  27, 
was  issued  with  an  extra  supplement,  which  contained  four 
full  pages  of  “ New  Mulligan  Letters,”  with  marginal  quota- 
tions from  Blaine’s  statements  of  1876.  That  the  Maine  senator, 
who  had  avoided  the  Credit  Mobilier,  had  become  involved  in  a 
still  worse  affair  of  his  own  devising  seemed  only  too  apparent. 
In  one  of  his  letters  to  Fisher  (June  29,  1869),  referring  to  a 
bond  and  railroad  scheme,  he  said: 

I do  not  feel  that  I shall  be  a dead-head  in  the  enterj^)rise. 
1 see  various  channels  in  which  1 know  1 can  be  useful. 


THE  UPIIEAVAL  OE  188^. 


505 


111  another  letter  (November  18,  1869),  concerning  the  estab- 
lishment of  a hank  at  Little  Rock : 


It  will  he  to  some  extent  a matter  of  favoritism  as  to  who 
gets  the  hanks  in  the  several  localities,  and  it  will  be  in  my  power 
to  cast  an  anchor  to  windward  in  your  behalf,  if  you  desire  it. 


If  anything  could  have  ruined  Blaine  in  the  eyes  of  the  iVineri- 
ean  people  it  would  seem  to  have  been  the  testimony  of  his  own 
letters,  that  even  so  far  back  as  1869  he  had  been  making  him- 
self politically  “ useful  ” and  casting  anchors  to  windward  ” 
in  the  matter  of  building  railroads  and  establishing  banks. 

But  it  would  appear  that  nothing  could  destroy  the  popularity 
of  the  ^tagnetic  Man.”  Public  orators  went  mad  with  elo- 
quence in  eulogizing 
the  candidate  whom 
they  compared  with 
Lincoln,  Clay  and 
■Washington.  Torch- 
light processions 
filled  all  the  streets, 
overflowing  into 
lanes  and  bjwvays— 
their  step  timed  to 
the  measure  of 

Blaine,  Blaine! 

James  G.  Blaine!  ” 
like  the  tread  of  a 
marching  army. 

Mass  meetings  were 
truly  named,  for 
they  were  jammed 
by  men  and  women, 

surelv  magnetized  in  old  tricks  again  out  west 

James  G.  Blaijce— “ I will  now,  in  confidence,  take  in  50,000,000  people.” 

their  devotion  to  the  (Blaine  performing  before  St.  John) 


50G 


THOMAS  XAST 


Eepublicaii  nominee,  '\^"omen  risked  their  lives  to  touch  his  gar- 
ment or  to  shake  his  hand. 

The  majority  of  the  Protestant  clergy  threw  their  influence  in 
his  favor,  and  it  was  at  a reception  given  him  hy  ministers  at 
the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel,  Xew  York,  that  the  Eeverend  Hr. 
Burchard  made  his  unhappy  reference  to  the  three  E ’s  of  Democ- 
racy, “ Eum,  Eomanism  and  Eehellion,”  which  is  supposed  to 
have  cost  Blaine  many  Catholic  votes. 

The  cartoons  came  veiy  thickly  during  the  final  days.  Blaine 
tiwing  to  collect  his  record  with  a rake— Blaine  taking  off  a 
Butler  mask  and  showing  his  own  face  behind,  while  still  behind 
him  is  Jay  Gould — Blaine  finally  disappearing  into  his  “ can- 
vas ” bag,— these  were  a few  of  the  later  shots  of  this  historic 

campaign. 

The  early  election 
returns  were  mysti- 
fying. Cleveland 
had  triumphed  in 
the  South,  and  was 
believed  to  have  se- 
cured Indiana,  New 
Jersey  and  Connec- 
ticut of  the  Nor- 
theni  States.  Blaine 
had  swept  the  rest 
of  the  North,  except 
New  York,  which 
was  claimed  by  both 
l)arties.  "When  a day 
or  two  had  passed 
and  brought  no  de- 
cision, there  began 

THE  BLAINE  TARIFF  FRAUD  j i i i. 

CuoRUS  OP  Working  Men— DuikhI,  by  goeU!  " tC)  OG  ClcingGrOUS  OUt- 


THE  UPHEAVAL  OF  1884 

breaks  of  feeling, 
and  it  was  feared 
that  the  delays  and 
contentions  of  1876 
might  be  repeated. 

Here  and  there  a 
mob  broke  loose  and 
assaulted  a news- 
paper office.  Bulle- 
tins were  discontin- 
ued in  Boston  and 
Chicago.  In  New 
York  a crowd  col- 
lected in  front  of  the 

**  THE  FOREMOST  MAX  OF  THE  TIME  — Blaineism 
'Western  Union  “ I do  not  feel  Unit  I ehull  prove  a deadhead  ” 

building  and  denounced  the  Associated  Press,  which  was  sup- 
posed to  be  concealing  the  true  retunis.  Cries  of  “ Hang  Jay 
Gould!  ” were  a part  of  this  demonstration,  which  was  presently 
suppressed. 

The  suspense  was  soon  over.  A careful  and  closely  veri- 
fied count  gave  New  York  to  Cleveland  by  ten  hundred  and  forty- 
seven  votes.  Never  before  had  a presidential  election  been  so 
nearly  tied. 

Kejoicings  throughout  the  country  were  very  great.  Splendid 
ratifications  took  place  in  everj^  city  and  town  in  the  nation. 
At  Nast’s  home,  Morristown,  there  was  a mighty  demonstration, 
and  in  front  of  the  artist’s  house  was  displayed  a big  trans- 
parency, bearing  these  words: 

THE  WORLD  SAYS  THE  INDEPENDENTS  DID  IT 
THE  TRIBUNE  SAYS  THE  STALWARTS  DID  IT 
THE  SUN  SAYS  BURCHARD  DID  IT 
BLAINE  SAYS  SAINT  .TORN  DID  IT 

THEODORE  ROOSEVELT  SAYS  IT  WAS  THE  SOFT  SOAP  DINNER 

WE  SAY  Blaine’s  character  did  it 
BUT  WE  don’t  care  WHAT  DID  IT 
it’s  done 


507 


508 


THOMAS  NAST 


A list  of  many  other  things  might  have  been  appended,  the 
absence  of  any  one  of  which  would  have  meant  the  election  of 
Blaine.  By  no  means  among  the  least  of  these  causes  might 
have  appeared  Gillam’s  “ Tattooed  Man  ” and  the  cartoons  of 
Thomas  Nast,  A change  of  five  hundred  and  twenty-four  votes 
would  have  altered  the  result.  That  the  influence  of  Nast  alone 
swayed  many  times  this  number  will  hardly  be  denied.  So,  in  a 
sense,  it  may  be  fairly  claimed  that  in  his  last  great  campaign  in 
the  land  of  his  adoption,  the  Little  Lad  of  Landau  had  “ made  a 
President.” 

Yet  it  had  l)een  a costly  victory.  Friends  by  the  hundred  he 
had  lost.  Enemies  by  the  thousand  he  had  made.  It  is  true  he 
had  made  new  friends  of  old  enemies,  but  viewed  from  a purely 
practical  standpoint,  counting  the  loss  and  gain,  the  battle  of 
principles  had  not  paid.  Neither  Nast  nor  Curtis  ever  recov- 
ered from  the  stress  and  bitterness  of  that  campaign.  Nor  did 
the  house  they  had  so  ably  served.  The  Harper  Brothers  had 
calculated  that  their  stand  for  good  government  would  cost 
them  fifty  thousand  dollars,  but  the  cost  was  many  times  that 
sum.  Commercially  it  had  been  a vast  mistake.  Morally,  the 
nation  will  never  cease  to  be  better  for  that  battle,  and  for  that 
victory.  r 


THE  QUESTION  DECIDED  ON  ELECTION  DAY 


CHAPTER  LVIII 

AGAIN  IN  THE  LECTURE  FIELD 

There  were  to  he  compensations  at  the  close  of  this  trying 
and  turbulent  year,  other  than  those  of  having  done  righteously 
and  with  a free  conscience.  A happy  Christmas  picture,  a little 
maid  telephoning  to  Santa  Claus,  brought  to  Hariier’s  a letter 
of  grateful  acknowledgment  from  an  unknown  friend. 

Permit  a humble  admirer  to  thank  your  great  artist  for  his 
greatest  and  best  work  in  Hai'jier’s  Weekly.  I refer  to  the  two 
full-page  pictures  of  the  sweet,  trustful  little  girl  on  the  one 
hand,  calling  up  the  great,  the  good,  the  mysterious  Santa  Claus 
through  the  telephone.  This  beautiful  vision  of  my  own  happy 
childhood,  my  love  and  trust  and  reverence  for  dear  old  Santa 
Claus,  came  so  forcibly  before  me  in  the  picture  I could  not  keep 
back  the  tears.  Yes,  tears  from  a worldly  minded  and  I fear 
somewhat  caustic  lawyer  came  at  the  memory"  of  childhood’s 
golden  days,  and  the  gladdest  of  them  all.  Happy  Christmas 
time.  T know  that  his  own  great  heart  was  full  when  he  pictured 
the  love  and  benevolence  of  our  glorious  old  Santa  Claus,  and  he 
will  understand  my  gratitude.  Wishing  him  many  happy 
Christmas  da  vs,  I am.  Yours  truly, 

H.  W.  Greer. 

Beaumont,  Tex. 

In  spite  of  a wide  spread  condemnation  for  his  political 
action,  there  was  plenty  of  congratulation  over  the  victory^ 
Conant  wrote: 

You  have  done  splendid  work  this  year,  saying  nothing  of 
all  the  other  years,  and  may  well  feel  proud  of  the  result.  I wish 
you  many  returns  of  the  season,  with  years  on  years  of  as 
good  work  as  your  pencil  has  ever  done. 


510 


THOMAS  NAST 


His  former  protege,  Charles  M.  Fairbanks,  sent  this  word: 

Well,  you’ve  won,  and  it’s  funny  to  see  how  the  straight 
Kepublioans  say  you’ve  lost  your  power,  while  the  Democratic 
papers  that  have  always  fought  you,  l)egin  to  see  that  there  is 
something  in  your  pictures,  after  all.  I must  say  I am  not  dis- 
appointed in  the  result,  though  I didn’t  expect  it,  and  a new  hat 
that  I had  hoped  to  wear  at  Cleveland’s  expense,  will  be  worn 
by  a good  Democrat  this  fall  at  my  cost. 

Among  the  pleasant  letters  is  still  another,  from  Nast’s  old 
friend  and  instructor,  Alfred  Fredericks.  It  explains  itself: 

New  York,  Dec.  24,  1884. 

Dear  Nast: 

I find  that  I am  indebted  to  you  for  the  commission  for  the  pic- 
ture, “ Genius  and  Invention,”  and  I am  awfully  glad  of  the  find, 
for  you  are  in  a position  to  need  no  retum,  and  I am  afraid  I 
shall  never  be  in  one  where  an  adequate  retuni  will  be  possible. 
Therefore  I am  proud  to  remain  your  debtor. 

Yours  truly, 

Alfred  Fredericks. 

There  are  many  men  who  forget  their  old  benefactors. 
Through  all  the  years  the  pupil’s  devotion  to  Fredericks  had 
never  waned.  The  managers  of  the  New  Orleans  Exposition  had 
asked  Nast  to  select  for  them  a capable  artist  for  this  important 
commission,  with  the  result  noted— a financial  salvation  to 
Fredericks  at  this  time. 

Yet  Nast’s  own  financial  position  was  by  no  means  what 
Fredericks  perhaps  believed.  As  we  have  seen,  his  entire  sav- 
ings had  been  swept  away,  leaving  him  only  his  home.  Neither 
was  his  income  what  it  had  been  in  previous  years,  while  his 
expense  had  not  much  abated.  He  resolved,  therefore,  to  under- 
take a second  lecture  tour,  for  the  pui-pose  of  restoring  in  some 
measure  his  fallen  fortunes. 

INIajor  Pond  had  continued  at  intervals  to  bombard  him  with 
offers  and  appeals.  In  January,  1879,  he  had  written: 

Is  it  worth  while  for  me  to  pay  you  a visit  to  tell  you  the 
astounding  fact  that  we  are  prepared  to  offer  you  a larger  sum 


AGAIX  IN  THE  LECTURE  FIELD 


511 


for  a Inindred  lectures  than  any  man  living!  Also  to  tell  you 
how  loudly  the  ])uhlic  are  clamoring  for  you?  1 will  go  lay  the 
matter  before  you,  if  you  are  come-at-able. 

Again  in  October,  1883,  Pond  sent  a characteristic  word: 

Have  you  anything  to  say  why  judgment  of  lecturing  should 
not  be  passed  upon  you? 

Finally,  in  the  summer  of  1884,  Major  Pond,  having  dissolved 
with  Hathaway,  and  established  himself  in  New  York,  wrote, 
assuring  the  cartoonist  that  he  could  make  another  season  as 
groat  as  the  first,  if  he  only  would  retuni  to  the  platfonn. 

Had  Nast  yielded  and  placed  himself  in  Pond’s  hands  at  this 
time,  he  might  have  made  a greater  financial  success  than  he 
did.  Ilis  ideas,  however,  were  otherwise.  He  returned  to  the 
old  plan,  proposed  to  ]Mark  Twain  in  1867,  and  ten  years  later 
proposed  by  Mark  Twain  to  him,  that  of  making  pictures  to 
illustrate  another  man’s  address.  lie  arranged  with  an  English 
impersonator,  Walter  Pelham,  for  this  part  of  the  entertain- 
ment, and  under  the  management  of  Hathaway,  the  legitimate 
successor  of  his  old  agent  and  friend,  Redpath,  the  two  were 
booked  for  an  extended  tour.  Thomas  Nast,  Jr.,  now  grown  to 
man’s  estate,  was  press  agent  and  general  manager  in  charge. 

It  was  the  year  that  Mark  Twain  was  making  a tour  with 
George  W.  Cable,  and  the  two  gave  a reading  in  Morristown,  on 
Thanksgiving  Eve,  just  before  the  Nast  tour  began.  The  car- 
toonist arranged  for  them  a quiet  supper  after  their  entertain- 
ment, and  they  remained  over  night  in  the  Nast  home.  Oysters 
on  the  shell  were  seiwed  at  the  little  repast,  and  Mr.  Clemens  ex- 
pressed his  delight  at  the  quality  thereof. 

“ Won’t  you  have  some  more?  ” suggested  the  host. 

“ Don’t  care  if  I do,”  assented  Clemens  in  his  deliberate  way. 

So  another  serving  was  brought,  and  approved  of  at  the  finish. 

“ Have  another,”  said  Nast. 

” Come  to  think  about  it,  I believe  I will,”  drawled  Clemens. 


512 


THOMAS  NAST 


Another  plate  "was  served,  and  another,  and  another.  At 
the  end  of  the  fifth  plate  the  joker  called  a halt. 

“ Look  here,  Nast,”  he  said  sorrowfully,  “ I didn’t  know  you 
had  an  oyster  ranche  in  your  cellar.  I guess  I’ll  let  this  job  out.” 
Then  noticing  some  inviting  looking  apples  which  the  children 
and  Mrs.  Nast  were  eating  he  added:  ‘‘  Are  there  any  more 
apples  in  this  house?  Cause  if  there  is,  I’d  like  one.” 

But  he  was  to  have  his  joke,  after  all.  The  reading  pair  were 
to  leave  next  moi'ning,by  an  early  train,  and  Mrs.  Nast  had  agreed 
to  see  that  they  were  up  in  time.  When  she  awoke  there  seemed 
a strange  silence  in  the  house  and  she  grew  suspicious.  She  rose 
and  going  to  the  seiwants’  room  found  them  sleeping  soundly. 
The  alarm  clock  in  the  back  hall,  whose  duty  it  was  to  arouse 
them,  had  been  stopped  at  the  hour  of  the  guests  retiring.  The 
studio  clock  was  found  to  be  stopped  also— in  fact,  every 
clock  on  the  premises.  The  gentle  humorist  who  in  the  past  had 
had  his  share  in  “ Boughing  It,”  was  determined  now  to  have 
his  proper  time  of  rest,  regardless  of  early  trains  and  engage- 
ments. On  being  accused  of  duplicity,  he  said: 

“ Wal,  those  clocks  are  all  overworked,  anyway.  They  will 
feel  much  better  for  a night’s  rest.” 

A few  days  later  both  Mr.  Cable  and  Mr.  Clemens  sent  their 
acknowledgments.  The  foniier  said: 

Dear  ]Mr.  Nast: 

Such  larks— since  we  left  you!  Our  jolly  evening  and  morn- 
ing with  you  in  your  happy  home  seem  to  have  given  us  the  true 
Xeynote  of  a platformer’s  life,  to  which  we  have  kept  true,  ever 
since.  Our  wives  at  home  can  hardly  keep  back  the  tears  for 
thinking  of  their  ‘ ‘ poor  husbrnids,  working  so  hard  ’ ’ ( Don ’t  you 
tell).  Off  we  go  to  Syracuse  this  moniiug.  I am  overflowing 
with  all  the  sunshine  and  breeze  we  took  in  at  your  house,  and 
Clemens’s  appetite  is  widening  and  deepening  as  we  go.  May 
joy  and  light  be  with  you  and  yours  as  naturally  as  it  springs  up 
in  us  at  the  remembrance  of  the  home  that  was  ours  on  the  day 
of  Thanksgiving.  Yours  truly, 

Geo.  AY.  Cable. 


AGAIN  IN  THE  LECTURE  FIELD 


513 


!Mark  Twain’s  letter  was  no  less  characteristic: 
dear  Xast: 

All  these  days  I have  been  feeling  the  thanks  I owe  you  and 
your  family  for  a thoroughly  enjoyable  night,  and  for  a hos- 
pitality which  neither  oi)oressed  nor  made  afraid;  and  if  I 
haven’t  voiced  these  thanks  before  it  is  only  because  we  have 
been  kept  too  busy  by  platform  and  railroad.  Be  piously  grate- 
ful that  as  yet  you  are  permitted  to  remain  with  your  house- 
hold and  under  the  shelter  of  your  delightful  home;  and  do 
all  your  praying  now,  for  a time  is  coming  when  you  will  have 
to  go  railroading  and  platfonning,  and  then  you  will  find  you 
cannot  pray  any  more,  because  you  will  have  only  just  time  to 
swear  enough. 

Please  remember  me  gratefully  to  ]\[rs.  Xast  and  to  all  the 
scions  of  your  house,  and  also  to  their  sire,  and  believe  me. 

Truly  yours, 

S.  L.  Clemens. 

Xast’s  own  tour  extended  this  time  throughout  the  East,  and 
as  far  west  as  Lincoln,  Xebraska.  As  before,  it  was  almost  a 
continuous  ovation,  though  there  were  not  lacking  those  who 
were  anxious  to  make  him  feel  his  political  change. 

The  entertainment  given  by  Xast  and  Pelham  was  a rather 
pretentious  affair.  There  was  a regular  programme,  which 
was  frequently  varied  to  suit  the  conditions.  A popular 
feature  was  the  description  by  Pelham  of  some  scene 
or  personage,  while  Xast  rapidly  illustrated  his  sentences. 
The  performance  usually  ended  with  scenes  in  color,  by  Xast, 
who  frequently  painted  them  top-side  down,  then  suddenly  re- 
versed them  with  startling  effect.  The  Xast-Pelham  show  was 
highly  popular  and  regarded  everywhere  as  a great  success. 

Financially  it  did  not  equal  the  venture  of  eleven  years  before. 
The  receipts  were  not  much  less,  but  the  expenses  were  far 
greater.  The  record  shows  a nightly  retuni  of  from  two  to  four 
hundred  dollars,  and  at  one  point  a thousand  dollars  for  two 
nights.  On  the  whole  it  was  a fairly  profitable  venture,  the  more 
so  that  the  Harper  contributions  had  continued  throughout. 


33 


CHAPTER  LIX 

CLEVELAND  AND  KEFOEM 


If  evil  propliesy- 
in^  could  have  in- 
jured the  newly 
elected  President  he 
would  have  needed 
all  the  good  luck 
wished  him  by  his 
friends.  Financial 
ills  were  prognosti- 
cated hy  many,  and 
the  restoration  of 
slavery  l)y  a few. 
Nothing  less  than  a 
clean  sweep  of  office- 
holders  was  ex- 


A GENTLE  HINT  TO  OFFICE-SEEKERS. 

**I  regard  myself  pledged  to  thif." — (Letter  of  Presidcot-elect  to  Ci*il  Serrico  Reform  League.)  ^)0ct0cl  fl  lUBJOrity 

of  both  parties.  For  twenty-eight  years  the  country  had  not 
elected  a Democratic  President.  The  spoils  element  of  the  Re- 
publican ]^arty  had  been  glutted  with  office,  while  the  same  con- 
tingent of  the  Democracy  had  been  famishing. 

That  Nast  did  not  believe  IMr.  Cleveland  would  inaugurate  a 
“ clean  sweep  ” ])olicy  was  shown  by  continiied  cartoons  where- 


CLEVELAND  AND  REFORM 


515 


in  the  President-elect  is  accustoming  himself  to  the  use  of  a con- 
vincing-looking club,  labelled  “ Civil  Sendee  Keform,”  this  to 
the  dismay  of  the  too  persistent  Tiger.  In  fact,  the  newly-chosen 
executive  himself  had  discouraged  the  idea  of  i)artisan  patron- 
age, in  a “ Christmas  Letter  ” to  the  National  Civil  Service  Re- 
form League,  which  document  had  given  universal  satisfaction 
to  the  more  progressive  element  of  both  parties.  He  said; 

“ The  quiet  and  unobtrusive  exercise  of  individual  political 
rights  is  the  reasonable  measure  of  their  party  service.”  He 
further  declared  that  no  partisan  feeling  should  relax  his  pur- 
pose to  enforce  the  existing  law,  and  that  no  incumbent  should 
be  removed  from  office,  solely  upon  partisan  grounds,  except 
such  as  had  abused  their  privileges  for  party  puri)oses.  Clearly, 
the  demand  to  “ turn  the  rascals  out  ” had,  for  Mr.  Cleveland, 
a literal  rather  than  a party  meaning. 

Early  in  January  the  President-elect  resigned  his  post  at 
Albany  in  favor  of  Lieutenant-Governor  David  B.  Hill,  to  make 
preparation  for  his  new  duties.  For  there  were  vast  labors  ahead 
and  the  time  of  preparation  seemed  brief.  In  a letter  to  Nast 
from  Albany,  February  11,  he  wrote: 

I am  overwhelmed  with  work  and  anxiety,  and  am  fright- 
ened whenever  I take  note  of  the  flight  of  time  and  recall  how 
much  I have  to  do  before  the  fourth  of  March.  So  I shall  stay 
here  and  work  and  worry,  1 suppose,  until  I start  for  Wash- 
ington. 

With  J.  Henry  Harper,  Nast  called  on  him  at  the  Hoffman 
House  a few  days  before  the  Inauguration.  In  the  course  of  the 
conversation  Mr.  Cleveland  turned  to  Nast,  and  said: 

“ If  Arthur  had  been  nominated  you  would  not  have  sup- 
ported me.” 

“ No,”  agreed  Nast,  “If  Arthur  had  been  nominated  I should 
not  be  here.” 

The  final  acts  of  President  Arthur  worthily  closed  his  ad- 
ministration. One  of  these  was  the  signing  of  a bill,  appropriat- 


51G 


THOMAS  NAST 


ing  nearly  two  iiiillion  dollars  for  the  up-bnilding  of  the  navy, 
a policy  continued  and  enlarged  upon  by  President  Cleveland. 
Another  last  act  of  Arthur’s  was  the  signing  of  a bill  for  putting 
General  Grant  on  the  retired  list,  with  full  pay,  so  that  he  might 
want  for  nothing  during  his  few  final  days.  Thus  a President 
whose  administration  had  begun  more  inauspiciously  than  that 
of  any  of  his  predecessors,  closed  a career  which  had  commanded 
the  nation’s  ap])roval,  with  an  act  that  won  for  him  a nation’s 
tender  regard.  Ilis  i)rophecy  that  he  might  not  survive  another 
administration  proved  a true  one.  He  died  November  18,  1886. 

President  Cleveland’s  inauguration  was  an  impressive  event; 
his  inaugural  address  was  enthusiastically  received  and  favor- 
ably commented  upon.  His  cabinet  was  impartially  selected 
and  was  of  excellent  timber — his  early  appointments  at 
home  and  abroad  were  approved  by  all  reasonable  and  think- 
ing men.  They  were  made  with  no  special  regard  to 

party  or  color,  hut 
on  a basis  of  (piali- 
fication  for  place. 
The  political  revohi- 
tion  had  resulted  in 
a greater  good  for  a 
greater  number. 

That  the  ultra 
Democratic  wing, 
with  a desire  for  full 
control,  should  be 
disappointed  was 
not  surprising.  The 
remark  of  a South- 
ern congressman, 

“tammaxy  hall  is  going  to  the  inauguration”  Gentlemen,  we 

have  got  an  ele- 


THEY  CAK’T  HELP  THEMSELVES 


CLEVELAND  AND  REFORM 


517 


pliant  on  our  hands.  I fear  there  will  he  some  disappointment 
about  tlie  offices,”  was  a comment  not  overlooked  by  Xast. 

The  long  and  last  illness  of  General  Grant  claimed  the  chief 
interest  of  the  nation  during  the  summer  of  1885.  The  old  soldier 
battling  with  a deadly  disease,  yet  bravely  completing  a task 
which  he  believed  was  to  be  his  widow’s  only  means  of  support — 
his  book  of  memoirs— was  a figure  at  once  so  pathetic  and  so 
noble  that  no  breath  of  animosity  remained  to  utter  a single  word 
that  was  not  kind.  The  serene  old  warrior  had  lived  to  see  his  bit- 
terest foes  become  his  staunchest  friends,  to  see  those  to  whom  the 
news  of  his  death  would  once  have  been  welcome  now  pray- 
ing that  he  might  be  spared  to  complete  his  task. 

And  he  did  so  triumph  in  this  his  final  baffle.  He  wrote  as  he 
had  fought,  sinij)ly,  nobly  and  convincingly,  and  he  persisted  to 
the  end.  The  story  was  finished,  and  at  Mount  !^^cGregor,  New 
York,  July  23,  1885,  the  task  of  living  was  likewise  made 
complete. 

And  all  the  nations  mourned.  Old  errors  were  forgotten,  old 
asperities  put  away.  Only  the  great  calm  soldier  was  remem- 
bered and  honored  and  lamented  by  all  who  knew  his  name. 
On  August  8,  public  business  throughout  the  nation  was  sus- 
pended, and  he  was  laid  to  rest  in  a humble  tomb  on  "Riverside 
Drive,  Xew  York  City,  now  replaced  by  an  imposing  structure 
where  with  him  his  wife  sleeps,  the  two  laid  side  by  side. 

Xo  man  felt  the  loss  of  Grant  more  keenly  than  Thomas  Xast. 
The  Soldier  President  was  the  last  of  his  great  heroes.  Gari- 
baldi, Lincoln  and  Grant— they  were  all  gone— for  him  the  world 
would  never  know  their  like  again.  Though  younger  than  they, 
he  had  striven  in  the  same  sacred  cause  of  right  and  liberty, 
and  the  old  order  of  conditions,  so  nearly  vanished  away,  had 
made  them  all.  lie  wanted  to  keep  in  the  march  and  battle  on, 
but  he  felt  lonely  and  left  behind. 

On  August  1,  he  contributed  to  the  Weekly  a final  tribute. 


518 


THOMAS  XAST 


“ The  Hero  of  Our  Age— Dead,”  a fine  emblematic  double  page. 
Some  months  later  there  came  a response  as  from  beyond  the 
grave.  One  day  the  expressman  delivered  into  his  hands  a pack- 
age containing  the  Grant  Memoirs,  a finely  bound  edition.  lie 
had  already  subscribed  for  the  book,  but  this  was  an  especially 
handsome  copy— one  of  twenty-five  prepared  for  the  author’s 
nearest  friends.  Ui)on  the  fly-leaf  was  the  inscription: 

“ Sent  to  l\Ir.  Thomas  Nast  by  direction  of  the  author,  and 
with  the  compliments  of  his  family.” 

National  i)olitics  were  kept  well  in  hand  by  the  firm  and  dig- 
nified administra- 
tion of  President 
Cleveland,  and  dis- 
gruntled office  seek- 
ers were  in  no  posi- 
tion to  disgi’ace  the 
nation  with  faction- 
al feuds  and  party 
dissensions.  They 
complained  as  in- 
dividuals rather 
than  as  organized 
bodies,  with  the  pos- 
sible exception  of 
the  Tribe  of  Tam- 
many, which  Nast 
depicted  as  a lean 
tiger  wailing  at  the 
"White  House  door. 

But  while  Nast 
and  Curtis  sup- 
ported Cleveland 

THAT  EVERLASTING  HUNGRY  WAIL  aiul  llis  poliC}'  tlieV 


CLEVELAXD  AND  REFORM 


519 


AFTER  THE  NEW  YORK  ELECTION 
It  will  take  more  pressure  now  to  keep  him  out 


tures.  Then  suddenly  there  is 
stan’ed  Tiger,  his  head  caught 
holizes  the  statement— “ It  lo< 
business  when  he  ordered  the  d 
office  seekers.” 

A number  of  happy  Christ- 
mas pictures  closed  the  year. 
It  had  not  been  distinguished 
by  important  work,  nor  per- 
sonal doing— a visit  with  Mrs. 
Xast  to  the  New  Orleans  Expo- 
sition being  the  chief  domestic 
incident.  The  trip  was  made  by 
way  of  Cincinnati  and  iStobile  in 
a private  boudoir  car,  in  which 
Nast  had  invested  money.  It 
proved  the  only  dividend  he 
ever  received  from  that  source. 


failed  to  support  i\lr.  Hill’s  can- 
didacy for  the  Governorship  of 
New  York.  Hill  was  elected, 
however,  by  a large  majority, 
and  the  old-line  Democracy  in 
New  York  rejoiced,  for  it  be- 
lieved that  a pressure  might 
now  be  brought  to  bear  which 
would  force  the  Tiger’s  en- 
trance through  the  "White 
House  door.  Cleveland,  grimly 
regarding  the  spoilsmen  ap- 
pears in  several  of  the  pic- 
a “ Slam-bang!  ” and  the  poor 
and  held  fast  in  the  door,  sym- 
)ks  as  if  Mr.  Cleveland  meant 
oors  closed  permanently  against 


“slam-bang!  ” 
(From  the  original  drawing) 


ClIArTP]R  LX 

TIU:  FINAL  A'EAll 

With  January  1,  188fi,  began 
the  final  year  of  tlie  combined 
labors  of  Thomas  Nast  and  the 
old  journal  Avliich,  in  the  words 
of  Roscoe  Conkling,  he  had 
“ made  famous,”  and  wherein 
be  had  made  his  fame.  Tn  the 
two  dozen  years  which  had 
elapsed,  the  nation  had  passed 
through  its  most  crucial  period, 
and  in  its  turbulent  history  he 
had  played  a conspicuous  part. 
Now  the  fierce  and  bitter  issues 
were  passed.  The  day  of  the  crusader  was  over— the  time  for 
the  light  jester  and  the  facile  harlequin  had  come. 

There  were  still  abuses  to  be  assailed.  ” Tweed  Again  ” ap- 
pears in  the  person  of  various  city  officials  and  contractors  who 
for  a measure  of  ill-gotten  return,  were  willing  to  risk  ex])osure 
and  disgrace.  The  heavy  pei*sonality  of  the  old  “ Boss,”  in 
stripes,  was  now  used  as  the  generic  symbol  of  fraud,  and  Xast 
drew  sportive  groups  of  Tweeds  somewhat  as  ^Ir.  Opper  to-day 
presents  us  with  his  family  of  meiry  trusts. 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  TWEED  IS  MIGHTY  STTLL 
“ And  even  yet  you  don't  know  what  you  are  going 
to  do  about  it  ” 


THE  FINAL  YEAR 


521 


The  secret  sessions,  or  Star  Chamber  proceedings  of  the  Sen- 
ate, were  freely  criticised  in  the  cartoons  of  1886.  That  the  Sen- 
ate and  the  President  sliould  be  at  loggerheads  was  not  condu- 
cive to  progress,  and  there  is  little  to  be  recorded  to  the  credit  of 
those  spoilsmen  of  both  parties  who  made  it  hard  for  Cleveland 
to  carry  out  his  purpose  of  reform.  In  an  editorial  (j\Iarch  13) 


Curtis  says: 

“ The  Democratic  party  during  the  first  year  of  its  adminis- 
tration has  done  little  to  win  popular  confidence,  not  because 
its  President  has  done  ill,  but  because  his  views  and  pui*poses 


have  received  no 
hearty  support.” 
The  indiscrimin- 
ate granting  of  pen- 
sion bills  was  one  of 
the  abuses  which 
]\lr.  Cleveland  pro- 
ceeded to  correct. 
Thousands  of  palpa- 
ble frauds  had  been 
perpetrated  upon 
the  Government. 
iNlen,  some  of  them 
worth  fortunes,  who 
had  never  been  near 
the  field  of  battle, 
had  obtained  pen- 
sions through  dis- 
reputable agents, 
who  had  been  allow- 
ed to  practice  every 
sort  of  subterfuge  to 
gain  their  ends. 


BOTH 

E(iual  justice  for  the  briber  and  the  bribed 


522 


THOMAS  XAST 


The  mimerous  vetoes  of  such  bills  were  made  capital  of  by  the 
President’s  enemies,  but  were  endorsed  by  fair-minded  people 
and  were  heartily  a})proved  in  the  pictures  of  Xast. 

The  year  1886  became  notable  for  its  labor  troubles.  The 

chief  of  these  began  when  a dis- 
charged foreman  on  the  Texas 
Pacific  Railroad  was  refused 
employment  by  the  receivers  of 
that  corporation,  and  a strike 
was  ordered  which  extended 
throughout  the  Gould  systems. 
Riots,  with  bloodshed  and  the 
destruction  of  property,  fol- 
lowed, especially  in  St.  Louis, 
where  one  Martin  Irons,  a local 
leader,  incited  continued  vio- 
lence and  resistance.  T.  Y. 

LAID  AT  HIS  DOOR 

Political  Tiiamp-“  If  you  don’t  do  exactly  as  I die- Powderly  WUS  then  Chief  Ex- 

tate,  and  give  me  aii  the  spoiis  I want,  I'ii  faii  danger-  ^ ^ _ 

ousiy  iii  or  die.”  ecutive  of  the  Kiiiglits  of 

Ijabor  and  in  course  of  time  ordered  the  men  to  resume  work, 
though  to  little  purpose.  Irons  defied  the  order,  and  the  disturb- 
ance continued.  In  the  end,  nothing  was  accomplished  but  a vast 
loss  in  wages  and  property,  with  a general  disturbance  of  labor 
conditions.  East  and  West. 

In  Chicago,  anarchy  manifested  itself  in  its  most  malignant 
form.  During  the  St.  Louis  troubles  an  eight  hour  labor  strike 
had  been  in  progress  in  Chicago,  and  Anarchist  agitators  seized 
upon  this  opportunity  for  testing  the  efficacy  of  dynamite. 

“ Of  all  the  good  stuff,  this  is  the  stuff,”  wrote  Albert  R. 
Parsons,  in  his  paper  the  Alarm.  “ A pound  of  this  good  stuff 
beats  a bushel  of  bullets,  and  don’t  you  forget  it!  ” 

Twenty  thousand  men  were  idle  in  Chicago,  and  on  the  even- 
ing of  May  4 a meeting  of  the  more  turbulent  element  was 


THE  FINAL  YEAR 


523 


called  together  by  the  publication  of  an  incendiary  handbill. 
The  crowds  assembled  in  Ilaymarket  Square,  where  they  were 
addressed  by  August  Spies,  editor  of  the  Arbeiter  Zeitung,  Al- 
bert K.  Parsons,  before  mentioned,  and  Samuel  Fielden — all  agi- 
tators of  the  dynamite  school.  Parsons  goaded  the  crowd  to 
desperation,  crying,  “ To  arms!  To  arms!  ” whereupon  Fielden, 
the  most  incendiary  of  all  the  orators,  si)rang  to  a wagon  and 
with  wild  gesticulations  and  shouting,  sought  to  bring  the  ex- 
citement to  a still  higher  pitch  of  frenzy. 

A body  of  policemen  marched  up  at  this  juncture  and  com- 
manded the  mob  to  disperse.  The  command  was  hardly  given 
when  a spluttering  fuse  was  seen  flying  through  the  air  toward 
the  policemen.  It  was  a d\Tiamite  bomb,  well  aimed,  and  it  fell 
directly  in  their 
midst.  An  instant 
later  it  had  exploded 
with  a deafening  re- 
port, killing  and 
wounding  twenty- 
nine  men. 

The  orator  closed 
his  harangue 
abruptly.  The  po- 
licemen were  for  a 
moment  thrown  into 
confusion.  Then 
quickly  reforming 
they  returned  the 
pistol  fire  of  the 
mob,  which  now  has- 
tily dispersed,  leav- 
ing, all  told,  no  less  what’s  in  a name? 

+1  oQ  + - -R  There  is  a great  deal  in  Ats  nam«,  and  a great  responeibility  in  the  way 

man  se\  eni)  -nv  e oi-  in  i,e  guards  it 


524 


THOMAS  XAST 


fleers  and  citizens  killed  and  wonnded — the  victims  of  the 
outbreak. 

Arrests  followed.  Bombs  and  dynamite  were  discovered  in 
the  editorial  offices  and  homes  of  the  various  leaders.  August 
Spies  and  his  assistant,  Michael  Schwab — Fielden,  Parsons, 
Louis  Lingg,  George  Engle,  Adolph  Fischer  and  Oscar  Neebe 
were  convicted  on  August  20— the  first  seven  being  sentenced  to 
death,  the  last-named  to  fifteen  years  imprisonment.  The  sen- 
tences of  Schwab  and  Fielden  were  commuted  to  life  seiwitude, 
Lingg  committed  suicide  in  his  cell,  while  the  others  were  right- 
eously hanged,  November  11,  1887.  Perhai)s  Aiiarchy  in  Chi- 
cago has  been  no  less  flourishing,  but  certainly  it  has  been  less 
flagrant  since  that  day. 

New  York  likeAvise  had  its  haiwest  of  disorder  and  boycott 
that  year,  resulting  in  the  main  from  speeches  and  articles  by 
Herr  ]\Iost,  for  which  criminal  agitation  he  was  dragged  from 
his  hiding  under  a bed  and  jiromptly  imprisoned.  On  the  whole, 
it  was  not  a prosperous  year  for  the  man  of  bombs  and  violent 
speech. 

Throughout  the  various  labor  difficulties  Nast  had  shown  the 
ugliness  and  uselessness  of  Anarchy,  the  craven  cowardice  of 
!Most,  and  the  evil  which  such  agitation  brings  to  the  really  pro- 
gressive and  industrious  workmen.  None  of  the  pictures  had 
been  unusual,  until,  with  the  conviction  of  the  Chicago  murder- 
ers, he  presented  a cartoon  of  the  sentenced  Anarchists  in  the 
clutch  of  the  giant  hand  of  Justice — a picture,  in  its  way,  one 
of  the  very  best  of  his  whole  career.  The  strength,  simplicity 
and  startling  effect  of  this  drawing  are  truly  mar\'elous. 

It  was  as  the  flare  of  an  expiring  candle,  which  burned  quietly 
again  as  the  final  year  went  out — closing  with  some  peaceful 
Christmas  pictures — one  of  them,  the  old  sweet  kind,  an  illustra- 
tion of, 

“ The  night  before  Christmas,  when  all  through  the  house 
Not  a creature  was  stirring,  not  even  a mouse—” 


LIBERTY  IS  XOT  AXARCHY 


52G 


THOMAS  NAST 


and  we  have  the  mice  tucked  snugly  in  bed,  with  holly  and  mis- 
tletoe hung  all  about,  while  the  kindly  face  of  St.  Nicholas  con- 
templates the  scene. 

The  Bazar  that  year  contained  a picture  of  the  Christkind — 
one  of  the  sweetest  baby  faces  Nast  had  ever  drawn.  These  com- 
pleted his  final  exhibit  in  the  periodicals  he  had  served  so  long. 
It  is  proper  that  they  should  have  conveyed  the  spirit  of  for- 
giveness and  goodwill  to  all  mankind. 

And  so,  peacefully  enough,  even  as  it  had  begun,  ended  that 
long  association  of  one  man  with  one  paper— the  like  of  which 
has  not  been  known  in  all  pictorial  history.  Who  could  have  fore- 
seen in  the  boy  of  twenty-two  the  patriot,  reformer  and  states- 
man, whose  pencil,  trained  only  to  dej)ict  truth  and  strike  home, 
should  leave  indelible  pages  in  a mighty  nation’s  story! 

Nast’s  retainer  continued  for  a year  longer,  but  it  was  under- 
stood that  he  was  to  have  an  extended  vacation  in  which  to 
prepare  his  Christmas  pictures  and  the  Eing  cartoons  for  book 
publication.  When  this  work  was  finished  (only  the  Christmas 
pictures  were  so  published)  the  editorial  conditions  were  such 
that  he  did  not  consider  it  advisable  to  continue  his  contribu- 
tions. 

Ilis  pictures  in  1886  had  been  very  numerous,  but  for  the  most 
part  they  had  been  small,  and  many  of  them  of  a nature  which 
seemed  to  him  unimportant.  He  had  arrived  at  the  conviction 
that  his  natural  affiliation  with  the  old  firm  had  ceased  to  exist  — 
that  the  old  Jounial  of  Civilization  no  longer  held  a place  for 
him.  He  did  not  feel  able  to  continue  in  the  half-hearted  way, 
so  unlike  the  old  fierce  days  when  he  had  been  “ the  avenger  ” 
—a  mailed  knight  with  gleaming  battle  axe  to  carve  out  the  way 
of  reform. 

In  1888,  when  the  Presidential  campaign  was  coming  on,  the 
finn  telegra])hed  him:  “ We  await  your  retuni  for  consideration 
of  a new  contract,”  but  the  an-angement  was  not  completed. 


THE  FINAL  YEAR 


537 


There  was  no  qnarrel,  no  fierce  dissension,  such  as  has  l)een  so 
widely  reported  hy  the  enemies  of  both  artist  and  publishers. 
Not  in  bitterness,  but  in  sorrow,  they  parted,  each  hardly  know- 
ing why,  yet  l)oth  convinced  that  the  end  had  come. 


“ ’tWAS  the  XIGHT  before  CHRISTMAS,  WHEN  ALL  THROUGH  THE  HOUSE 
NOT  A CREATURE  WAS  STIRRING,  NOT  EVEN  A MOUSE  ” 

(The  final  picture  in  Ilarper's  Weekly.  From  the  original  drawing) 


PART  SIX:  THE  CONSUL 

CHAPTER  LXI 

AT  THE  EXl)  OF  POAVEIl 

X'd  great  career  ever  came  to  an  end  more  aljrnptly  and  more 
completely.  The  one  man  and  the  one  paper  had  been  combined 
too  long  for  either  ever  to  be  the  same  apart.  Colonel  Watterson 
long  afterwards,  said: 

“ In  quitting  Harper’s  AVeeldy,  Nast  lost  his  fornm:  in  losing 
him,  Harper’s  Weekly  lost  its  political  importance.” 

And  this  was  true.  Thomas  Nast  was  the  pictorial  advocate, 
censor  and  statesman  of  his  age.  Harper’s  Weekly  was  his  tri- 
himal.  Without  Harper’s  Weekly  the  work  of  Nast  found  no 
adequate  setting— no  pei-manent  audience.  He  became  as  a voice 
lost  in  the  multitude.  Without  Nast  the  old  Journal  of  Civiliza- 
tion was  a platfonn  occupied  by  vice-presidents.  The  two  had 
been  identified  through  the  most  tumultuous,  if  not  the  most 
vital,  period  of  this  nation’s  history.  Their  traditions,  their 
audience  and  their  fortunes  had  been  as  one.  Neither  Nast  nor 
the  paper  found  prosperity  apart. 

Yet  as  the  journal  did  not  discontinue  publication,  neither  did 
Nast  cease  his  labors,  or  his  effort  to  restore  his  shattered 
fortunes.  As  we  have  seen,  he  made  no  drawings  through  1887, 
but  he  was  not  altogether  idle.  A year  before,  his  hope  of  the 


AT  THE  EM)  OF  POWER 


529 


eudowccl  i)aper  had  revived— it  was  a hope  that  never  altogether 
died— and  he  had  been  led  once  more  to  invest  a last  accumu- 
lation of  savings  in  a western  mine.  It  would  seem  that  he 
never  could  learn  not  to  bury  his  money  in  the  ground.  He  still 
clung  to  the  fond  l)elief  that  as  other  venturers  had  reaped 
marvelous  returns  from  such  a sowing  of  golden  seed,  so  he  too 
must  harvest  sooner  or  later,  when,  with  the  sinews  of  war  pro- 
vided, he  could  once  more  make  the  battle  for  right  and  progress 
which  would  arouse  and  uplift  mankind.  The  paper  was  his  one 
great  purpose.  "VVitli  eveiy  year  of  increased  restraint  in  his 
old  field,  it  had  been  fostered  and  magnified  until  nothing  else 
in  the  world  seemed  to  him  worth  while. 

lie  often  said:  “ Such  a i>aper  would  do  more  good  than  any 
church  or  library  or  college  ever  founded.  'Why  can’t  some  rich 
man  understand  that  and  endow  it  for  all  time.  Of  course,  it 
would  not  pay— not  at  first— perhaps  not  for  years.  But  its  time 
would  come,  for  it  would  create  its  own  audience,  at  last.” 

“ Principles,  not  Men  ” was  to  be  his  old-fashioned  motto  for 
this  paper,  and  when  he  realized  that  no  man  of  fortune  was 
ready  to  establish  such  a journal,  he  himself  was  willing  to  race 
to  the  rainbow’s  end  for  a buried  pot  of  gold. 

He  dreamed  marvelous  dreams  of  the  new  mine.  Understand- 
ing nothing  of  the  business  himself,  he  had  his  son,  Thomas,  Jr., 
taught  assaying,  and  sent  him,  with  an  e.xpensive  outfit,  to  man- 
age the  new  property.  This  was  in  l\Iay,  1886.  The  fact  that  im- 
mediate returns  did  not  come  may  have  surprised,  but  did  not  dis- 
courage, the  mine  owner. 

In  January,  1887,  Erastus  'Wiman  took  a party  of  his  artist 
friends  on  a trip  through  Canada.  Keppler,  Bernhard  Gillam 
and  Xast— all  dead  now— were  among  those  invited.  On  the  eve 
of  departure,  Nast  gave  the  little  company  a dinner  in  his  Mor- 
ristown home.  Keppler  sent  regi'ets  “ with  bleeding  heart,” 
but  Gillam,  John  W.  Alexander,  Baron  de  Grimm,  Ilany  Me- 


530 


THOMAS  NAST 


Vickar  and  others  came.  Nast’s  three  daughters  served  as  cook 
and  waitresses,  and  it  was  a ha])py  affair.  All  did  honor  to  the 
“ Father  of  the  American  Cartoon,”  who  had  given  them  their 
symbols,  elevated  prices,  and  supplied  inspiration. 

” I never  bother  to  think  up  subjects,”  said  Ciillam.  ” I just 
look  up  Nast’s  things  in  the  old  numbers  of  Harper’s  and  get 
what  I want.  Nast  has  done  about  everything.” 

On  his  retimi  from  Canada  the  cartoonist  with  ]\rrs.  Nast 
journeyed  southward,  by  way  of  Washington,  where  at  the  White 
House  they  were  made  welcome,  as  heretofore.  Proceeding  on 
their  way  they  visited  .Jacksonville,  Florida;  also  St.  Augustine, 
and  followed  the  course  of  the  St.  Johns,  retuniing  by  steamer 
the  latter  ])ai*t  of  April.  It  was  the  last  long  journey  they  ever 
made  together. 

It  was  in  September  of  that  year  that  Nast  set  out  for  the  West 
to  look  after  his  mine.  The  inflow  of  wealth  had  not  begun.  In 
fact,  he  had  added  three  thousand  dollars  to  his  original  invest- 
ment-money borrowed  for  the  purpose— and  still  there  was 
no  return.  Just  what  was  the  process  of  enlightenment  as  to  the 
true  value  of  his  property  does  not  matter.  It  is  enough  to  say 
that  he  found  the  mine  was  considered  worthless,  and  he  re- 
turned to  Denver  prostrated  by  a nervous  attack.  He  lay  ill 
for  a considerable  period  and  upon  his  recovery  did  not  return 
home.  Instead,  he  sent  for  his  materials  and  gave  a lecture  to 
a large  audience.  From  Denver  he  i>roceeded  with  his  son  to 
the  Pacific  Coast,  lecturing  as  he  went.  At  Portland,  Oregon,  he 
was  ill  again.  Later  he  gave  his  lecture  there  before  a crowded 
house,  and  subsequently  continued  his  tour  through  Califoniia 
with  varying  success. 

His  trip,  as  usual,  was  a succession  of  social  triumphs.  He  was 
welcomed  and  honored  by  clubs  and  associations  of  many  kinds, 
and  tendered  many  testimonials  and  souvenirs.  ” Baby  ” 
Tabor,  the  little  daughter  of  Senator  Tabor,  of  Colorado,  pre- 


rlT  THE  END  OF  POWER 


531 


sented  him  with  a 
curious  locket,  made 
for  him  of  the  va- 
rious metals  of  the 
state.  At  one  point 
he  travelled  for  a 
distance  in  company 
with  the  directors  of 
the  Midland  Kail- 
road,  and  a lofty 
snow-clad  peak  on 
the  line  was  chris- 
tened Mt.  Nast,  in 
honor  of  the  occa- 
sion. One  of  the 
highest  summits  of 
the  range,  it  will  re- 
main a noble  monu- 
ment for  all  time. 

During  this  trip  he 
renewed  acquaint- 
ance with  his  old 
friend  Colonel  Chipman,  who  had  entered  the  law  business  at  Red 
Bluff,  Califoniia,  and  the  two  had  a happy  reunion  and  an  ex- 
haustive talk  over  old  times  and  issues.  Later,  Colonel  Chipman 
wrote  him  concerning  his  political  attitude.  In  part,  he  said: 


BABY  TABOR — AS  THE  CHRISTKIND 
(From  Harper’s  Bazar,  Christmas,  1886-7) 


Mr.  Blaine  has  done  what  you  insisted  he  would  not  do,  to 
wit:  he  has  positively  refused  to  he  a candidate.  It  seems  to 
me  the  Mugwump  can  now  afford  to  come  back,  unless,  as  I 
suspect,  the  ^lugwump  is  a Democrat  at  heart,  and  hasn’t  the 
courage  to  say  so,  and  will  now  go  over  to  the  party  where  he 
belongs.  You,  however,  must  not  mar  your  great  record  by 
joining  that  party  which  lampooned  you  for  years.  The  time 
will  not  come  in  your  life  when  you  can  forsake  the  party  that 
put  down  the  Rebellion. 


532 


THOMAS  NAST 


John  I,  Covington,  another  old  supporter,  had  somewhat  pre- 
viously sent  a similar  letter.  A paragraph  will  indicate  its  gen- 
eral tone: 

If  ever  there  was  an  artist  idolized  hy  the  people— that  is, 
the  hest  of  them, — it  has  been  Thomas  Nast.  T know  that  I 
understand  the  sentiment  — of  the  people  of  the  AVest,  at  least  — 
when  1 say  this,  better  than  you  can.  For  I hear  them  talk 
freely,  openly,  honestly  and  without  reserve,  hiver  since  you 
took  u)>  Cleveland’s  side,  T have  felt  that  our  boys  have  been 
whipped,  and  the  old  feeling  of  disaster  to  our  arms  has  been 
upon  me.  I am  not  a ]mlitician  or  related  to  a politician  that  I 
know  of,  and  I am  down  on  wrong  doings  of  Republicans,  but 
I cannot  bring  myself  to  believe  that  the  Democrats  are  a bit 
better  than  they  were  when  they  would  have  gloried  in  your 
assassination. 

From  John  Russell  Young,  also,  came  a political  line: 

As  to  Cleveland,  he  said,  I have  never  really  had  a definite 
opinion.  I have  never  had  a talk  with  him  but  one.  He  has 
done  some  things  I like,  though  he  might  have  done  more.  All 
my  living  interest  in  politics  went  into  the  modest  grave  at 
Riverside,  and  T have  never  known  whether  I was  a Democrat 
or  a Republican  since.” 

Perhaps  a good  deal  of  Nast’s  political  interest  likewise  had 
gone  into  the  modest  grave  on  Riverside  Drive,  but  he  was  by  no 
means  ready  to  retire  from  the  field,  and  his  faith  in  Cleveland 
was  very  strong.  lie  retunied  to  New  York  in  June  that  he 
might  be  in  time  for  the  campaign. 

In  spite  of  financial  pressure  he  had,  as  we  have  seen,  de- 
clined to  renew  the  Ilairyer  arrangement.  He  concluded,  instead, 
a contract  with  the  Democratic  Committee  to  supply  cartoons  to 
an  assoidment  of  papers,  the  chief  of  which  was  the  Daily 
GraiJiic.  He  worked  hard,  and  his  drawings  did  not  fail  of 
appreciation.  In  September,  Don.  M.  Dickinson  wrote: 

I want  to  express  my  personal  sense  of  gratitude  to  you 
for  the  excellent  lessons  you  are  giving  our  ])eople  in  the  (Jrai)hic. 
A"ou  reach  hundreds  with  strong  virile  teaching,  where  the  stock 
campaign  document  impresses  one. 


AT  THE  EM)  OF  POWER 


533 


MT.  NAST,  OX  THE  COLOHADO  MIDLAND  RAII.HOAD 


\et  oil  tlie  whole  the  work  of  that  year  was  not  a success. 
The  pictures  fell  with  less  effect  than  in  former  years.  The  old 
setting  was  gone.  They  were  badly  reproduced,  ]ioorly  printed 
and  on  cheap  paper.  The  serial  element,  one  of  Xast’s  strongest 
features,  counted  for  little.  Divided  among  various  journals  it 
lost  force  and  purpose.  The  defeat  of  Cleveland  in  Xovember 
was  also  the  first  presidential  defeat  for  Xast.  The  glory  of  his 
prestige  had  waned.  The  Democratic  Committee  refused  full 
payment  for  his  service. 

True,  the  Gra])hic  wished  to  continue  his  employment,  but  the 
sum  offered  was  unsatisfactory  and  the  paper  being  already 
moribund  jiresently  died.  Tired,  heartsick  and  half  ill,  Xast 
sailed  for  England  for  a brief  trip,  taking  with  him  Thomas,  Jr., 
who  had  been  of  active  assistance  during  the  campaign.  They 
remained  six  weeks,  returning  just  before  Christmas.  AVhat  with 
his  lectures,  his  work  for  the  committee  and  a few  additional 
illustrations  it  had  not  been  an  un]U’ofitable  year.  But  it  had 
been  a bitter  depressing  year,  and  the  path  ahead  seemed  uncer- 
tain and  obscure. 


CHAPTER  LXII 

A PAPETl  OF  HIS  AT  LAST 

From  tins  time  forward  the  cartoons  of  Thomas  Xast,  so 
recently  a national  power,  were  in  a large  measure  lost  to  the 
old  public  and  were  without  national  importance.  There  was 
still  a demand  for  his  work,  hut  such  connections  as  he  could 
make  were  neither  satisfactory  nor  enduring.  Established 
papers  had  policies  which  were  controlled  by  the  management, 
and  to  the  support  of  these  every  part  of  the  great  machine  was 
expected  to  contribute.  Nast  never  could  work  in  that  way,  and 
it  was  only  a question  of  a few  days,  or,  at  most,  weeks,  when  he 
must  either  oppose  his  pencil  to  his  principles  or  resign. 

“ I cannot  do  it,”  he  once  declared  sorrowfully,  for  his  need 
had  become  sore  and  the  temptation  great.  “ I cannot  outrage 
my  convictions;  ” and  he  never  did.  Certainly  if  there  was  no 
place  for  such  a man  on  the  old  Jounial  of  Civilization  there  was 
not  likely  to  be  elsewhere. 

New  publications,  wishing  to  make  a bid  for  public  favor,  and 
older  ones  on  the  verge  of  collapse  sent  for  him  and  with  rosy 
promises  induced  him  to  fling  his  power  and  reputation  into  the 
balance.  In  1889-90  he  supplied  drawings  to  a short-lived 
publication  called  Time  and  to  another  called  America— the 
latter  ])ublished  in  Chicago.  Occasionally  he  contributed  some- 
thing to  Once  a Week,  now  Collier’s  Weekly. 


A PAPER  OF  ms  OWN  AT  LAST 


535 


There  came  a time  at  last  wlien  horses  were  sold  and  servants 
let  go.  Eventually  he  was  obliged  to  put  a mortgage  on  the  home, 
to  live.  He  was  advised  to  sell  it,  but  to  this  he  would  never 
consent.  It  had  been  the  scene  of  his  triumphs  and  of  his  great 
domestic  happiness.  He  loved  it  with  every  fibre  of  his  heart 
and  he  clung  to  it  till  the  end. 

One  of  his  greatest  sorrows  was  that  he  could  no  longer  afford 
to  give  with  an  open  hand  to  those  who  appealed  to  his  ready 
sjunpathy  and  ever  ready  purse.  Men  and  women  in  many  walks 
of  life  he  had  assisted,  some  of  them  so  wealthy  now  that  they 
had  forgotten.  His  walls  were  covered  with  pictures  bought  of 
less  fortunate  fellow  craftsmen,  among  whom  were  those  who, 
because  of  his  success,  did  not  fail  to  belittle  his  achievements 
and  to  ridicule  his  skill.  He  had  never  regretted  giving  aid, 
whatever  followed.  His  regret  was  that  he  could  give  no  more. 

In  1891  he  went  to  Chicago  as  a judge  in  the  Inter  Ocean  prize 
contest— the  award  to  be  rendered  for  the  best  emblematic  draw- 
ing of  that  city.  He  remained  to  make  some  cartoons  for  the 
paper,  then  owned  by  Mr.  Kohlsaat,  always  a true  friend. 

It  was  also  during  this  period  that  he  began  work  for  the 
Illustrated  American — an  attractive  publication  in  the  days  of 
its  early  existence — and  his  connection  with  that  paper  proved 
more  important  and  more  enduring  than  any  of  this  final  period 
of  his  labors.  In  the  Illustrated  American  he  cartooned  iMatthew 
S.  Quay,  whose  political  career  has  now  become  an  unsavon^ 
memoiw;  also  Chauncey  M.  Deiiew,  for  his  attitude  during  the 
investigation  of  one  of  those  tragic  tunnel  episodes  in  New  York 
City  which  have  darkened  the  history  of  the  Harlem  and  New 
Haven  roads.  ]\rr.  Depew  as  a director  was  inclined  to  resent 
a summons  to  appear  before  the  judiciary.  With  airy  manner 
and  gay  persiflage  he  refen-ed  to  the  possibility  of  his  imprison- 
ment and  “ poked  fun  ” at  the  idea  of  being  held  in  any  way 
responsible  for  the  death  and  cremation  of  the  victims.  The 


53G 


THOMAS  NASI 


CHAUNCEY  DEPEW  AS  A JESTER 


(From  the  Illustrated  American) 

press  was  severe  on  the  joke  maker,  and  Xast  cartooned  him 
with  a severity  anti  persistence  worthy  of  the  canse. 

The  sale  of  the  pai>er  was  immediately  stopped  on  the  Van- 
derbilt lines  and  Depew  never  forgave  the  artist.  Xeither  did 
he  ever  forget,  thongh  he  waited  until  Xast  was  safely  dead  be- 
fore attempting  his  revenge.* 

* In  Febnian-,  1903,  in  the  United  States  Senate  chamber,  i\Ir.  Depew  delivered 
a diseonrsc  on  the  character  and  career  of  Amos  J.  Cummings,  then  lately  dead.  It 
was  this  auspicious  occasion  that  Senator  Depew  selected  for  his  revenge  upon 
Thomas  Xast  for  having  cartooned  him  as  a jester  a dozen  years  before.  Leading 
l)aek  through  the  career  of  !Mr.  Cummings  he  reached  that  of  Horace  Greeley  and 
the  close  of  the  Presidential  campaign  of  1872.  Then,  upon  his  own  authority  as 
an  eye-witness,  he  said: 

“ I have  seen  many  a death-bed  in  my  life;  T have  witnessed  life  go  out  under 
conditions  tliat  were  sad  or  sweet,  liopefnl  or  despairing.  I never  but  once  saw  a 
man  die  of  a broken  heart,  and  never  do  I wish  to  see  snch  a tragedy  again. 

“ I made  a speech  with  Mr.  Greeley  in  his  Presidential  campaign  just  before  its 
close.  We  spoke  from  the  same  platform,  and  both  of  us  knew  that  he  was  to  be 
beaten.  We  returned  to  his  home,  and  he  was  jeered  on  the  train  and  at  the  depot 


A PAPER  OF  Ills  OJrN  AT  LAST 


537 


The  Illustrated  American  tliougli  lingering  for  a number  of 
years  was  eventually  added  to  the  papers  of  the  past.  Others 
likewise  came  and  went,  employing  the  cartoonist  for  a period 
of  their  brief  existence.  The  name  of  Nast  was  still  one  to  con- 
jure with,  but  alas,  it  evoked  only  genii  sinister  and  parades 
funereal.  In  the  belief  that  he  still  had  an  audience,  he  was  in- 
vited to  stand  at  the  christening  of  many  a new  publication.  But 
if  his  supporters  rallied,  they  were  barely  in  time  to  attend  the 
obsequies  at  which  Nast  himself  was  likely  to  be  chief  mouraer. 
Speaking  of  these  things  afterwards,  with  that  quaint  humor 

when  we  arrived.  We  went  to  his  study,  wliich  was  littered  with  those  famous 
caricattires  of  Xast,  representing  liim  as  the  einhodinient  of  all  that  was  evil  or  vile 
in  expression  or  practice  in  life.  Mr.  Greeley  glanced  them  over  for  a moment,  and 
then  he  said: 

“ ‘ !My  life  is  a failure;  I never  have  sought  to  accumulate  fortune;  I never  have 
cared  for  fame;  hut  I did  want  to  leave  a monument  of  what  I had  done  for  my 
fellow-men,  in  lifting  them  up,  in  doing  away  with  the  curse  of  slavery  and  the 
curse  of  rum;  but  here  I am,  at  the  close  of  this  campaign,  so  misrepresented  to  my 
countrymen  that  the  slave  will  alwaj’s  look  upon  me  as  having  been  one  of  his 
owners,  and  reform  will  believe  me  a fraud.’ 

“ Then,  his  head  falling  upon  his  desk,  he  hurst  into  uneontrollahle  sobs.  I sent 
for  his  family.  The  brain  that  had  done  such  splendid  work  snapped.  The  next 
morning  he  was  taken  to  an  asylum,  where  he  died.  His  heart  literally  broke  at 
the  moment  when  he  bowed  his  head  upon  his  desk.” 

Unluckily  for  Senator  Depew,  he  did  not  wait  long  enough.  There  was  still 
one  man  living  who  could  refute  the  testimony  thus  solemnly  offered  and  set  the 
matter  right  before  the  world.  Perhaps  the  Senator  did  not  believe  that  Whitelaw 
lleid — himself  in  the  old  da^’s  one  of  Nast’s  most  freciuent  victims — would  come  for- 
ward to  defend  his  old  assailant  now.  Senator  Dcpew  had  therefore  to  learn  that 
there  are  men  who  care  more  for  right  and  truth  than  for  any  annoyance  of  the 
past.  Tlie  Tribune  of  February  18,  1903,  in  an  editorial  “ To  Keep  the  Record 
Straight,”  reprinted  the  above  remarks  made  by  Senator  Depcw,  and  then  in  very 
clear  type  added : 

“So  mucli  for  ^Ir.  Dcpew’s  vivid  recollection.  Now  for  the  realitj':  On  Satur- 
day, October  12,  1872,  there  was  a political  meeting  in  Pleasantville,  near  Chap])a(pia. 
which  was  attended  by  many  of  IMr.  Greeley’s  old  friends  and  neighbors,  and  owing 
to  that  circumstance,  as  he  explained,  ^Ir.  Greeley  took  pains  to  be  present  and  made 
a speech.  Mr.  Dcpew  was  also  there  and  spoke.  At  that  time  Mrs.  Greeley,  who 
had  long  hecn  ill,  had  become  much  worse,  and  thereafter  she  failed  rapidly  until  her 
death,  on  October  30,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  and  l\Irs.  Alvin  .T.  .Johnson,  in  this  city. 
During  the  last  fortnight  ^Ir.  Greeley  was  with  her  constantly,  refusing  to  take  any 
further  part  in  the  campaign,  so  that,  as  it  happened,  the  Pleasantville  speech  was 
the  last  speech  he  made.  Immediately  after  the  meeting,  !Mr.  Greeley  and  Mr.  Dcpew 
took  the  train  for  New  \ork,  but  Mr.  Greelej’  got  olf  at  Williamsbridge  to  spend  the 


538 


THOMAS  NAST 


which  rarely  deserted  him,  even  in  the  dark  final  days,  he  said: 
“ It  kept  me  busy  attending  funerals.  Finally  I started  one  of 
my  own.” 

It  was  not  his  own  in  the  beginning.  In  March,  1892,  he  re- 
ceived a letter  carrying  the  name  of  the  New  York  Gazette  and 
three  editors,  at  the  top.  The  letter  was  of  the  old  sort,  holding 
out  the  promise  of  work,  remuneration,  and  a “ free  rein.” 

And  Nast— by  this  time  anxious  for  anything  that  offered  an 
outlet  for  his  expression,  as  well  as  monetary  reward— allied 
himself  with  the  Gazette.  With  the  usual  fortune  he  presently 
found  himself  its  chief  creditor.  A little  later  he  had  the  journal 
itself  on  his  hands.  Thus,  suddenly,  without  plan,  price  or  the 
means  of  conducting  it,  the  paper  he  had  dreamed  of  so  long 
liad  in  some  sort  become  a reality.  He  established  Thomas  Nast, 
Jr,,  as  a publisher,  employed  an  editor  and  put  another  mort- 
gage on  his  home  for  capital. 

There  have  been  a great  many  bad  combinations  in  publish- 
ing enterprises,  but  probably  never  a worse  one  than  that  which 
took  over  the  remnants  and  fortunes  of  the  Gazette.  No  one 
of  those  interested  had  the  smallest  idea  of  practical  business, 
especially  of  the  business  side  of  publishing.  Their  advertising 

night  with  Waldo  Hutchins,  while  Hr.  Depew  came  on  to  New  York.  So  vanishes 
the  touching  fable  about  Hr.  Greeley’s  confession  of  failure  to  Hr.  Depew,  the  un- 
controllable sobs,  the  broken  heart,  the  sending  for  the  family,  the  snapping  of  the 
brain  that  had  done  such  splendid  work,  the  removal  to  an  asylum  the  ne.xt  morn- 
ing. 

“ The  facts  are,  that  in  a signed  c-ommunication  written  on  the  day  after  the 
election  Hr.  Greeley  resumed  the  editorship  of  The  Tribune  in  full  possession  of  his 
mental  faculties,  wrote  and  published  several  articles  in  the  course  of  the  next  few 
days,  but  after  November  12  abandoned  the  effort  to  visit  the  office  regularly,  gradu- 
ally succumbed  to  exhaustion,  due  chiefly  to  his  sleepless  vigil  at  his  wife’s  bed- 
side at  the  end  of  a hard  campaign,  and  died  at  the  residence  of  Dr.  Choate,  near 
Chappa<iua,  inflammation  of  the  brain  c-overing  having  ensued  on  November  29,  more 
than  six  weeks  after  the  I’leasantville  meeting,  at  which  he  made  his  last  speech 
and  where  Hr.  Depew  also  spoke.  Of  course  ^Ir.  Depew  will  understand  that  our 
sole  motive  in  setting  him  straight  is  to  prevent  his  speech,  preserved  in  ‘ The  Con- 
gressional Record,’  from  being  carelessly  accepted  as  accurate  and  possibly  to  some 
e.xtent  supplanting  or  confusing  the  truth.”— New  York  Tribune,  February  18,  1903. 


A PAPER  OF  Ills  OJrX  AT  LAST 


539 


agent  deinaiicled,  and  received,  his  commission  on  contracts 
which  proved  worthless  in  the  end.  An  attack  on  police  corrup- 
tion resulted  in  the  paper  being  discontinued  by  the  news  com- 
pany and  there  was  no  influence  sufficient  to  combat  this  order. 

True,  the  measures  of  reform  undertaken  by  Nast  in  the  Ga- 
zette met  with  approval,  as  well  as  a modicum  of  moral  suste- 
nance at  the  hands  of  certain  leaders  in  the  cause  of  Municipal 
Purity.  Financial  support  was  thought  to  be  foidhcomiug.  In 
April,  Dr.  C.  H.  Parkhurst  PR.o,p^  iw  ' 

wrote  a number  of  encour- 
aging letters.  In  one  of 
these  he  said: 

Nothing  but  the  shatter- 
ing of  the  entire  Tammany 
system  can  accomplish 
thorough  results  or  yield 
issues  that  you  and  I can 
ever  be  satisfied  with.  I 
am  exceedingly  pleased  at 
the  position  of  the  Gazette, 
and  hope  to  be  the  means 
of  extending  its  circula- 

Gou*  A CARTOON  FROM  NASt’s  WEEKLY 

Again,  on  May  3,  Dr.  Parkhurst  wrote: 

Tammany  is  disturbed,  and  on  the  whole  T think  the  outlook 
rather  promising.  (And  on  May  31:)  You  can  rely  upon  it 
that  a certain  number  of  subscriptions  to  the  Gazette  will  be 
pledged  by  us.  The  very  opposition  to  the  Gazette  which  has 
been  displayed  on  the  part  of  our  opponents  makes  us  the 
more  anxious  to  stand  by  you.  If  you  will  see  Mr.  'Whitney, 
I am  sure  he  will  express  himself  as  feeling  exactly  as  I feel, 
and  as  ready  to  commit  himself  in  behalf  of  the  board  in  the 
matter  that  I have  specified. 

But  it  was  the  old  story  of  disappointment  and  ill-fortune. 
Mr.  Whitney  died,  and  the  plans  to  sustain  the  Gazette  fell 
through.  In  July  Dr.  Parkhurst  wrote  from  Switzerland,  ex- 
pressing his  obligations  to  Nast  and  his  sorrow  that  the  purpose 


540 


THOMAS  XAST 


to  aid  the  paper  had  been  upset  by  Mr.  AVliitney’s  death.  Noth- 
ing substantial  had  been  accomplished.  The  borrowed  thou- 
sands melted  and  would  have  vanished  even  sooner  than  they 
did  but  for  the  fact  that  it  was  a campaign  year  and  a cartoon 
paper  was  worth  keeping  alive.  Nast  with  many  others  believed 
that  the  old  party  had  l)een  regenerated  under  Harrison,  and  in 
the  campaign  of  1892  accorded  him  a full  support.  In  apprecia- 
tion, the  Eepublican  managers 
guaranteed  the  paper — now  to 
be  called  Nast’s  Weekly — a 
circulation  of  one  hundred 

t 

thousand  copies,  with  which 
support  it  was  able  to  survive 
the  winter.  Leon  Mead  and 
Charles  M.  Fairbanks  supplied 
the  letter  press,  and  with 
Xast’s  pictures  the  paper  was 
sufficiently  creditable. 

But  it  could  not  go  on.  After 
the  presidential  defeat  in  No- 
vember— the  second,  now,  for 
Nast — the  fictitious  circulation 

MR.  MCKINLEY  AFTER  HARRISON’S  DEFEAT  IX  gljppg^j  aWay;  tllO  advCrtisiug 

(From  Nasfs  Weekly)  brouglit  little  01’  110  I’etuni ; the 

editor,  artist,  and  publisher  were  obliged  to  earn  a living.  By 
the  spring  of  1893,  Nast’s  AVeekly,  with  its  dreams  and  schemes 
and  wasted  effort,  had  joined  the  long  procession  of  dead  papers 
that  file  back  through  library  archives  to  the  catacombs  of  time. 

Nast  was  now  many  thousand  dollars  in  debt  and  his  income 
was  less  than  the  cost  of  living.*  He  continued  work,  but  his 
efforts  were  for  the  most  part  lost  to  the  old  public  which  had 

♦ There  was  no  indebtedness  left  against  the  paper.  Nast  paid  everything  and 
was  rated  A-1  by  the  commercial  agencies.  His  chief  consolation  in  his  various 
enterprises  was  that  he  lost  nobody’s  money  but  his  own. 


KAP.NlcKlNLtV,"OK.TAHE.  ME  TO  THE  KO  T E.  Ll ’ 

DCS  IN  VALt  O t S ! " 


A PAPER  OF  HIS  OWN  AT  LAST 


541 


valued  them  so  long.  His  pictures  were  not  without  puri:»ose 
but  they  showed  a lack  of  the  former  spirt  of  assuredness,  and 
with  this  lack  the  old  care  of  preparation  could  not  long  survive. 
No  man  who  has  passed  the  half-way  mark  can  persist  endur- 
ingly  in  the  face  of  repeated  discouragement  and  defeat.  The 
time  will  come  when  he  must  waver  and  weaken  and  let  go.  In 
the  fullest  sense  of  the  phrase— though  hope  in  him  never  en- 
tirely perished,  and  confidence  in  his  power  and  purpose  sur- 
vived to  the  end— Thomas  Hast  while  still  in  the  prime  of  life 
was  “ out  of  the  running.” 

As  for  the  public  it  could  not  understand.  It  could  not  com- 
prehend that  a man  who  had  but  recently  been  so  great  a power 
could  be  so  completely  ef-  — 

faced.  For  years  after  his 
retirement,  letters  of  in- 
quiry came  to  Haqiers  and 
to  Xast  himself,  and  con- 
tinued to  come  even  after 
it  had  been  made  clear  that 
the  old  alliance  was  really 
ended.  Newspapers  short 
of  items  filled  their  columns 
with  belated  explanations 
of  the  Har))er-Nast  diffi- 
culty— most  of  them  wholly 
imaginaiy  as  to  details. 

Some,  doubtless  written  by 
a younger  generation  who 
perhaps  never  even  referred 
to  the  Haiqoer  files,  went  so 
wide  of  the  mark  as  to  as- 
serf  that  he  had  left  Har- 


RICHARD  CHOKER  AT  A STANDSTILL 

11Pv’<5  AVppplv  in  1884-  pp.  (From  the  New  York  Recorder.  Nast  was  first  to  point  out 

pel  ^ t,eeivi_y  lU  ±00‘±  UC  Mr.  Croker’s  rather  strikiuir  resemblance  to  the  ticert 


Mr.  Croker’s  rather  striking  resemblance  to  the  tiger) 


542 


THOMAS  NAST 


cause  they  had  asked  him  to  caricature  Blaine.  Others  declared 
he  had  been  bought  off.  Nearly  all  repeated  the  old  fiction  that  he 
had  received  a retainer  for  years  after  his  retirement,  and  in  re- 
turn had  been  compelled  to  draw  each  week  a cartoon  which  did 
not  appear.  Nast  never  took  the  trouble  to  deny  any  of  these 
things.  Neither  did  he  give  heed  to  the  old  slanders  which  his 
enemies  still  circulated,  save  only  to  the  story  that  he  had  once 


him  for  even  a few  engagements  now  put  him  off  with  pleasant 
words  that  led  to  nothing  in  the  end.  It  was  the  same  with  his 
drawings.  Picture  after  picture  was  sent  out  and  returned  with 
thanks  and  complimentary  excuses.  Perhaps  a new  editor,  not 
comprehending  the  change  in  public  taste,  would  give  him  brief 
encouragement.  But  it  never  resulted  in  more  than  a temporary’ 
connection.  Either  the  paper  died,  or  the  editor  awoke  to  the  al- 
tered conditions.  In  art  it  would  seem  that  the  struggle  for  recog- 
nition must  come  at  one  end  of  life  or  the  other.  Many  meet  it  at 
the  beginning  and  sometimes  it  is  long,  wearjdng,  and  embitter- 
ing to  the  soul.  'With  Nast  it  was  just  the  reverse.  Success 
crowned  his  youth.  His  old  age  was  a heart-breaking  effort  to 


caricatured  Lincoln 
as  a sot.  This  lie  he 
promptly  checked 
wherever  it  ap- 
peared. 


A BREEZE  FROM  THE  WEST 
(From  the  original  drawing) 


For  years  the  bit- 
ter, blighting  strug- 
gle went  on.  He 
planned  a return  to 
the  lecture  field,  but 
to  no  purpose.  Ly^ 
ceunis  that  in  the 
hour  of  his  great  tri- 
umph had  begged 


A PAPER  OF  Ills  OJrX  AT  LAST 


543 


regain  a lost  prestige.  It  became  a struggle  at  last  to  maintain 
any  footing  which  would  keep  him  in  the  march  he  had  led  so  long. 

And  he  was  so  ill-fitted  to  cope  with  the  problem.  "With 
an  entire  lack  of  business  training,  and  with  those  long  years 
of  success,  when  there  had  been  no  question  as  to  his  market  or 
his  retuni,  he  found  himself  now  far  more  helpless  than  the 
unknown  youth  who  goes  out  to  win  recognition  with  a first 
bundle  of  sketches  under  his 
ami. 

Of  course  Xast  himself  was 
last  to  comprehend  that  the 
world  no  longer  wanted  his 
work.  At  first  he  had  been  in- 
credulous, then  amazed.  Fi- 
nally he  was  heart-broken. 

Once,  back  in  the  old  Tweed 
days,  John  Ireland,  a relative 
of  George  Jones,  had  said  to 

^ . MARCH 

Jlimr  (From  the  original  drawing) 

“ Tommy  Xast,  some  day  you  will  not  be  so  popular  as  you 
are  now.  People  will  not  understand  you,  or  care.” 

But  Xast,  so  sure  of  his  purpose  of  right,  so  strong  in 
his  convictions  and  so  deeply  in  sympathy  with  human-kind, 
could  not  understand  that  such  an  hour  might  come.  Now  it  was 
here.  Such  pictures  as  he  could  dispose  of  appeared  in  the 
newspaper  smdicates  and  trade  journals,  his  periodical  market 
becoming  more  meagre  each  year,  as  each  year  younger  men  with 
more  nimble  fingere  claimed  attention,  and  with  some  new  trick 
of  manner  made  a successful  bid  for  public  favor.  He  did  not 
envy  them  and  he  was  rarely  bitter.  Perhaps  he  was  sustained 
by  meeting  on  every  hand  his  old  symbols— the  Tiger,  the  Ele- 
phant, and  all  the  others,  and  by  the  realization  that  though  his 
own  pen  was  no  longer  a power,  he  still  potently  suiwived  through 


544 


THOMAS  NAST 


these  successors,  who  by  daily  use  were  making  his  old-time 
emblems  immortal. 

For  himself  the  times  were  out  of  joint.  The  public  no  longer 
demanded  pictorial  crusades,  hut  only  a pageant  of  clever  bur- 
lesque with  the  light  hits  and  mock  warfare  that  amused  to- 
day and  to-morrow  were  forgotten  for  all  time.  The  windmills 
had  become  too  powerful  for  those  who  would  gird  on  their 
armor  and  go  forth  to  redress  wrong;  the  day  of  knight  errantry 
was  over.  Somehow  the  gentle  and  pathetic  figure  of  Don 
Quixote  cannot  fail  to  present  itself  to  those  who  in  his  final  days 
were  familiar  with  the  dreams,  and  struggles,  and  disappoint- 
ments, and  with  the  lovable  personality  of  Thomas  Xast. 

In  time,  he,  too,  realized  that  the  land  of  his  adoption,  for  which 
he  had  striven  so  fearlessly  and  well,  did  not  want  him  any  more. 
Yet  he  never  ceased  to  believe  that  by  some  chance  his  day  might 
come  again;  and  it  may  he  that  had  some  buniing  issue  sud- 
denly developed — with  the  need  of  great  and  simple  conviction, 
and  with  some  strong  human  force  like  Fletcher  Harper  to  swing 
wide  the  gates  of  expression— it  maj'  he  that  the  old  inspiration 
would  have  come  back  and  with  it  the  deftness  of  hand  and  the 
power  to  achieve  mighty  things.  The  crisis  will  always  i:>roduce 
the  hero,  and  Thomas  Nast,  still  in  his  prime,  might  once  more 
have  been  that  man. 

Speaking  of  Xast’s  retirement,  a Xew  York  correspondent  said: 

The  pressure  of  the  great  issues  of  the  war  raised  up  a Lin- 
coln, a Grant  and  a Xast.  Lincoln  broad  in  love,  firm  in  purpose; 
Grant  lirave  and  unyielding;  Xast  an  inspired  artist  to  encour- 
age the  hearts  of  the  rulers  and  the  soldiers  of  the  people. 

So,  with  those  others,  whom  he  had  honored  and  served,  he 
had  once  filled  his  niche  in  the  nation’s  history.  He  was  not 
old,  he  had  only  lived  l)eyond  the  time  of  the  nation’s  need  and 
never  in  his  day  was  the  hour  of  his  opportunity  to  return. 


CHAPTER  LXIII 

TIIK  LAST  CONGENIAL  OCCUPATIONS 

The  toilsome  way  was  not  to  remain  unillumined  to  the  end.  In 
1894  Xast  sailed  for  Europe  in  the  hope  that  his  work  might  still 
he  needed  there.  He  made  no  permanent  arrangement  for  draw- 
ings, but  he  met  his  old  friend  Kohlsaat  in  London,  and  was  com- 
missioned by  him  to  paint  a large  picture  of  the  scene  of  Lee’s 
surrender  to  Grant.  The 
order  came  like  a gift  from 
heaven,  for  it  was  the 
thing  of  all  others  he 
most  wished  to  do,  and  the 
price  was  to  be  liberal. 

“ I should  never  have 
come  back,”  he  wrote,  ” if 
it  had  not  been  for  this. 

Now  I can  take  new 
heart.  ’ ’ 

Nor  was  this  all.  One 
evening,  while  still  in  Lon- 
don, he  was  with  Henry 
Irving  at  the  Beefsteak 
Club,  where  Irving  enter- 
tained his  friends  after  the  kipung  on  the  steamer,  i894 


35 


54G 


THOMAS  NAST 


PEACE  IN  UNION.  THE  SURRENDER  AT  APPOMATTOX,  APRIL  9,  1865 
(Painted  for  11.  II.  Kohlsaat.  Now  in  the  Public  Library,  Galena,  Illinois) 


theatre,  and  during  their  talk  the  great  actor,  knowing  Xast’s 
love  of  Shakespeare,  invited  him  to  make  a painting  which  would 
convey  his  devotion  to  the  immortal  dramatist. 

So  he  retunied  with  these  two  commissions,  and  all  that  winter 
worked  on  the  big  Ajijwmattox  jncture,  whieh  he  finished  on 
Ajiril  0,  1895,  the  thirtieth  anniversary  of  the  scene  it  presented, 
the  last  touches  being  added  at  the  hour  when  the  surrender  took 
place.  Then  he  j)ut  the  date  on  the  jialette  he  had  used,  hung 
it  up  and  never  touched  it  again. 

The  ])icture  was  presented  by  i\Ir.  Kohlsaat  to  the  public 
library  at  Galena  on  Grant’s  birthday,  with  appropriate  cere- 
monies. It  was  universally  reproduced  and  commended  by  the 
press.  It  is  Nast’s  largest  and  most  important  painting. 

lie  did  not  begin  immediately  on  the  Irving  ])icture.  He 
had  worked  very  hard  and  rapidly  on  the  larger  canvas,  and  the 


THE  LAST  CONGENIAL  OCCUPATIONS 


547 


old  lameness  of  his  right  arm  had  in  a measure  returned.  He 
perfected  his  idea,  however,  and  duly  submitted  it  to  Irsdng. 
Immediately  there  came  a cablegram  of  approval: 

London,  July  20,  1895. 

Love  and  greeting,  old  friend.  Shall  be  delighted  (with) 
what  you  suggest.  Henry  Irving. 

So  that  winter  he  did  “ The  Immortal  Light  of  Genius  ” — 
a scene  of  the  interior  of  the  room  where  Shakespeare  was 
bom,  with  a bust  of  the  poet,  his  head  surrounded  by  a light 
that  radiates  from  his  forehead.  The  spirits  of  Comedy  and 
Tragedy  advance  to  crown  the  bard  with  laurel.  It  was  com- 
pleted on  Shakespeare’s  birthday,  April  23,  of  1896,  and  was  pre- 
sented to  the  'William  Winter  Memorial  on  Staten  Island.  A 
replica  of  it  aftei-ward  was  made  for  the  Shakespeare  Memorial 
at  Stratford,  and  was  presented  by  Mrs.  Nast  in  1903,  in  time  for 
the  birthday  celebration.  In  the  report  made  by  the  Governors 
of  the  Stratford  Memorial  the  picture  is  thus  mentioned: 

The  conception  is  in  Mr.  Nast’s  best  manner.  The  rich 
sombre  tones  heighten  the  etfect  of  the  supeniatural  light  sur- 
rounding the  poet’s  image,  and  the  maiwellous  treatment  of 
the  ghost-like  figures  is  inimitable.  The  picture  is  a finely 
executed  work  of  art,  worthy  of  the  high  reputation  of  the 
artist. 

In  1899  Xast  received  an  order  for  a third  painting— this  time 
from  'William  L.  Keese,  who,  with  Nast,  was  one  of  the  remaining 
admirers  of  the  old  character  actor  of  their  childhood,  'William 
E.  Burton.  The  painting  is  a study  of  31111011  in  his  favorite 
impersonation  of  “ Toodles,”  as  they  both  recollected  him  so 
long  before.  It  was  presented  by  Mr.  Keese  to  his  club.  The 
Players,  and  it  holds  to-day  an  honored  place  among  the  works 
of  many  of  the  world’s  great  painters. 

Had  Nast  received  an  art  education  in  youth,  and  had  his 
aim  not  been  diverted  in  the  direction  of  the  political  cartoon, 
his  name,  also,  might  have  been  recorded  with  theirs.  In  Janus’s 


548 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ Art  Idea  ” * — a volume  published  l)y  Hurd  and  Houghton,  1864, 
— the  author  includes  Nast,  then  a hoy  of  twenty-four,  with 


Inness,  Darley  and 
Vedder.  On  page 
242  he  says; 


Judging  from  the 
wood-cuts  in  Har- 
per’s IVeeldy  of 
compositions  relat- 
ing to  the  various 
stages  of  war,  Nast 
is  an  artist  of  un- 
common abilities. 
He  has  composed  de- 
signs, or  rather 
given  hints  of  his 
ability  to  do  so,  of 
allegorical,  syml)ol- 
ical  or  illustrative 
character  far  more 
worthy  to  he  trans- 
ferred in  paint  to 
the  wall-spaces  of 
our  public  l)uildings 
than  anything  that 
has  yet  been  placed 
on  them.  Although 
hastily  got  up  for  a 
temporary  purpose, 
they  evince  originality  of  conce]dion,  freedom  of  manner,  lofty 
appreciation  of  national  ideas  and  action,  and  a large  artistic 
instinct. 


WILLIAM  E.  BURTON  AS  TOODLES 
(Painted  for  William  L.  Keese— now  in  The  Players,  New  York  City) 


But  the  lack  of  time  and  means,  and  his  surging  convictions 
concerning  })uhlic  issues,  then  at  white  heat,  led  him  to  find  ex- 
pression in  the  political  cartoon.  Here  academic  draughtsman- 
ship counted  for  less.  The  chief  purpose  was  to  make  pictures 
that  would  carry  the  truth  and  strike  home.  No  man  has  ever 
done  that  so  ably  as  Nast.  No  man  of  this  generation  is  likely 
to  do  so. 

* “ The  Art  Idea,”  by  John  Jackson  Jarvis. 


THE  LAST  coy  GENIAL  OCCUPATIONS 


549 


John  A.  ^Mitchell,  of  Life,  the  foremost  Ameriean  authority  on 
the  subject,  speaking  of  the  Tweed  cartoons  said:* 


Xot  only  the  reading  iniblic  hut  the  entire  people— men, 
women,  and  children— those  who  read  and  those  who  did  not, 
heeanie  interested,  then  angry,  and  finally  detennined:  and, 
this  accomplished,  the  wrong  was  speedily  righted.  It  is  doubt- 
ful if  the  power  of  caricature  was  ever  more  forcibly  illustrated 
than  on  this  occasion,  and  the  somewhat  sudden  development  of 
this  branch  of  art  on  our  side  of  the  Atlantic  was  largely 
due  to  the  force  and 
courage  of  Thomas 
Xast. 


The  painters  are 
few  indeed  who  in 


their  chosen  field 


have  achieved  an 


eminence  which  will 


compare  with  the 
distinction  thus  ac- 


corded. It  seems 


most  unlikely  that 
Xast  would  have 


done  so.  Often  he 


lamented  his  lack 


of  technical  train- 


ing. At  another 
time,  looking  at  a 
group  of  pictures,  he 
would  say,  “ But 
how  much  alike 


they  are,  after  all.” 
Technical  training 
might  have  made  a 


* Contomporary  Ameri- 
can Caricature,  Scribner’s 
ila<razinc,  December,  1889. 


THOMAS  NAST,  189.-> 
(Photographed  by  Rockwood) 


550 


THOMAS  NAST 


painter  of  Nast,  but  it  is  more  than  likely  that  it  would  have 
lost  to  us  the  great  master  of  the  cartoon. 

In  the  later  days,  the  life  of  Nast  hecame  one  of  contemplation 
rather  than  activity.  Now  and  then  some  one  came  with  a plan 
for  a publication,  or  a sjmdicate,  or  for  some  other  enter})rise 
which  was  to  restore  him  to  his  old  place,  hut  for  the  most  part  he 
regarded  such  schemes  with  hut  dubious  interest.  Not  that  he 
ever  entirely  gave  up  hope,  or  wholly  lost  confidence  in  his  fel- 
low men.  Neither  did  he  become  harsh  and  disagreeable  to 
those  about  him.  No  man  ever  had  warmer  and  more  devoted 
friends,  and  they  were  drawn  nearer  to  him  by  the  cheerful  man- 
ner and  gentle  resignation  of  his  final 
days.  His  old  seat  at  The  Players, 
where  on  an  occasional  evening  he 
loved  to  sit  quietly,  was  always  sur- 
rounded by  men  who  knew  him  for  his 

Nast  accepts  an  invitation  from  Cliarlcs  tlUO  WOltll,  wllO  loVed  aild  llOllOied 
Harvey  (.eming  beeil. 

It  was  in  acknowledging  kindly  attentions  of  his  friends  that 
Nast  in  his  last  j'ears  found  the  greatest  comfort  in  his  art. 
Always  averse  to  letter-writing,  throughout  his  life  it  had  been 
his  custom  to  send  a hasty  sketch  which  conveyed  his  message 
more  fully  than  he  could  have  expressed  it  in  words.  Sometimes 
when  asked  if  he  ever  wrote  anything  but  his  signature,  he  re- 
plied, “ Not  if  I can  help  it.  My  pen  won’t  spell  right,  anyway.’^ 
So  he  had  nearly  always  sent  a picture,  exhibiting  himself  in 
some  appropriate  attitude  of  reply.  Sometimes,  however,  he 
added  a line  or  two  to  complete  the  idea.  Once,  in  the  old  days, 
during  very  hot  weather,  there  came  a letter  from  IMui’at  Hal- 
stead, whose  penmanship  was  Nast’s  despair.  In  reply  he  sent 
a small  caricature  showing  his  state  of  bewilderment,  the  per- 
spiration dripping  from  his  brow.  To  tins  he  added: 

“ Dear  Halstead:  You  write  a very  running  hand.  I have 


THE  LAST  COXGEXIAL  OCCUPATIOXS 


551 


been  running  after  it  ever  since.  Please  don’t  write  any  more 
until  it  is  cooler.” 

The  convenient  make-shift  of  his  early  life  became  now  his 

chief  diversion.  His 
friends  recollected  him  in 
many  small  ways,  and  the 
quaint  little  caricature  ac- 
knowledgments were  al- 
ways highly  prized,  and 
duly  treasured.  In  a letter 
recently  received  by  the 
writer,  one  recipient  ex- 
presses something  of  his 
appreciation  of  a souvenir 
drawing,  as  well  as  of  the 
artist  himself.  He  says: 

From  the  memorable  days  of  our  great  Civil  War  I recall 
the  thrill  of  a boy’s  delight  over  the  pictures  of  Th.  Nast  in 
Harper’s  Weekly,"  and  of  his  cheerj^  Christmas  pictures— his 
Santa  Claus — ^liis  Dickens  characters,  and  the  annual  “ pot- 
shot ” of  fun  to  be  found  in  his  Comic  Almanac.  It  was  not 
until  I was  long  come  to  man’s  estate  that  I was  blessed  by 
meeting  this  wonderful  genial  genius  himself;  and  was  by  him 
humored  to  refer  to  my  first  impressions  of  his  various  work 
— but  especially  I recalled  to 
him  one  little  funny  tailpiece  in 
his  Almanac.  Then  he  recalled 
it  and  with  me  laughed  over  it 
again.  And  about  two  months 
later— wholly  to  my  surprise 
and  vast  delight— came  to  me 
this  copy  of  that  self-same, 
funny  little  i)icture  I had  so 
ha])pilv  for  mvself  recalled  to  a waum  day  in  morristown 
the  memory  of  the  distinctive  (sent  to  cywi  Na.t) 

master  of  both  pathos  and  humor  (God  bless  him!)  and  God 
bless  us  every  one!  Hastily  and  very  heartily  yours, 

James  Whitcomb  Eiley. 

Piley,  in  his  letter  to  Xast,  expressed  a still  fuilher  obligation: 


“ THE  LANDING  OF  A ‘ FATHER  ’ 
(Sent  to  Janies  Whitcomb  Kiley) 


552 


THOMAS  XAST 


Nor  would  I neglect  the  acknowledgment  of  a certain  art  in- 
fluence of  yours  that  has  been  not  only  a constant  pleasure  to 
me  since  that  far-off  time,  hut  has  helped  and  blessed  my  efforts 
in  an  humbler  yet  somewhat  kindred  line. 

An  alien  wind  that  blew  and  blew: — 

I had  blurred  my  eyes  as  the  artists  do, 

Coaxing  life  to  a half-sketched  face. 

Or  dreaming  bloom  for  a grassy  place. 

The  hearty  appreciation  which  is  balm  to  the  battle-scarred 


veteran  was  never  lacking  in 
the  letters.  IMr.  Kohlsaat  just 
after  a birthday  wrote: 

My  dear  Nast: 

I received  yesterday  by  mail 
your  little  birthday  greeting. 
IMany  thanks  for  remembering 
me.  How  did  you  know  it  was 
my  birthday? 

I saw  a good  deal  of  Irving 
last  week.  He  is  surely  a 
channing  man.  We  talked 
about  you  and  your  work  and 
he  spoke  of  you  in  very  loving 
tenns.  I do  not  know  a man 


^ ^ whom  gi’eatness  has  spoiled  so 
/<•''  little  as  Sir  Ilenrj'. 

I hope  you  are  well  and  get- 
AN'  ACCEPTANCE  OF  A MILITARY  INVITATION  along  nicel\'.  M isliiiig  you 

and  yours  all  the  good  things  of 
life,  I remain  Sincerely  yours, 

II.  II.  Kohlsaat. 


There  are  many  of  the  little  souvenir  sketches  in  existence. 
Most  of  Nast’s  intimate  friends  treasure  one  or  more.  A col- 


lection of  them  would  make  an  interesting  volume.  Several  are 
possessed  by  The  Players,  for  he  never  failed  to  respond  to  the 
Founders’  Night  invitation  with  a jolly  pictorial  acce])tance. 

He  likewise  found  comfort  in  calling  on  old  friends,  espe- 
cially on  those  whom  he  had  seen  grow  up,  perhaps  had  helped 
into  a high  inheritance.  Pushed  aside  himself,  he  did  not  envy 


THE  LAST  CONGENIAL  OCCUPATIONS 


553 


these  successful  ones  who  had  stepped  iuto  public  favor,  and  if 
they  had  done  so  honestly  it  gave  him  pleasure  to  do  them 
honor.  ’When  Theodore  Koosevelt,  as  President  of  the  New  York 
Police  Board,  had  made  his  excellent  showing,  Nast  called  one 
morning  to  congratulate  him  on  his  work.  ^Ir.  Poosevelt  smiled 
and  in  his  impulsive  manner  said: 

“ Well,  Nast,  I ought  to  make  a good  official.  I learned  my 
politics  of  your  cartoons.” 

Naturally  this  tribute  was  acknowledged  with  a sketch,  and 
Mr.  Roosevelt  expressed  a further  appreciation  in  his  reply. 

Nothing  could  give  me  more  pleasure  than  your  gift.  The  mere 
fact  that  your  name  is  signed  to  it  gives  it  such  value  that  1 shall 
have  it  framed  and  ke]d  in  a prominent  place  for  my  children  to 
see.  I thank  you  from  my  heart. 

Faithfully  yours, 

Theodore  Roosevelt. 


Tn  another  letter  Mr.  Roosevelt  said: 

I have  always  felt  that  in  the  fight  for  civic  honesty  you 
played  as  great  a part  as 


any  soldier  could  possibly 
]ilay  in  the  fight  for  the 
TJnion. 

As  years  went  by  there 
grew  up  an  impression  in  the 
public  mind  that  Thomas 
Nast — the  original  Nast  who 
had  destroyed  Tweed — was 
dead.  The  occasional  pic- 
tures which  appeared  signed 
by  that  name  were  usually 
attributed  to  his  son, 
Thomas,  Jr.,  who  had  inher- 
ited a measure  of  his  father’s 
skill.  The  reports  that  he 
was  dead  hurt  him  deeply. 


1 5t)h.  liv£ 


fit* 


0 -■'T 


' ■■  y' 


WHEN  REFERKED  TO  AS  “ THE  LATE  THOMAS 


N.AST 


554 


THOMAS  NAST 


but  he  seldom  let  the  wound  appear.  He  merely  laugjhed  and 
caricatured  himself  as  being  fierce  over  the  matter,  or  as  a 
lively  corpse. 

“ What  is  the  use  to  crj^  about  it,”  he  said.  “ The  paper  is 
right— I’m  dead  enough  to  the  public.” 

He  was  reminded  of  his  great  achievements — all  the  cartoon 
properties  he  had  created,  still  in  daily  use — his  victories  over 
wrong,  the  things  which  men  would  not  forget.  He  nodded  with 
a sort  of  grave  satisfaction. 

” Yes,”  he  said,  “ I was  alive  enough  once— and  I really  did 
those  things.  They  can’t  rub  that  out.” 

And  the  fire  in  him  did  not  die,  and  the  old  keen  insight  re- 
mained undimmed.  Often  after  reading  the  papers,  he  would 
rush  out  to  her  who  had  been  his  helpmeet  through  all  the  years, 
to  describe  some  picture  which  he  wished  to  make.  He  would 


THE  LAST  CONGENIAL  OCCUPATIONS 


555 


talk  with  all  the  old  enthusiasm— one  could  see  how  apt  was  the 
idea.  Then  suddenly  he  would  remember — his  face  would  fall — 
he  would  add,  “ and  nobody  will  publish  it.” 

Sometimes  he  said:  “ Well,  I suppose  I shall  go  on  like  this 
till  I am  eighty.  Who  will  care!  Tommy  Nast,  you’re  dead!  ” 
Again  he  would  say:  “ I feel  like  a caged  animal — so  helpless.” 
When  a chance  to  get  something  j)ublished  did  appear,  his 
need  was  so  great,  he  was  so  anxious  to  please,  he  became  timid. 
Oh,  it  was  hard — the  blight  of  poverty  to  a spirit  like  his. 

And  curiously  enough  he  was  to  appear  once  more  in  the  peri- 
odical where  forty-five  years  before  he  had  made  his  beginning. 
There  had  been  some  managerial  change  in  the  conduct  of  Frank 
Leslie’s  Weekly,  and  someone  there  remembered  and  still  had 
faith  in  Nast.  He  was  engaged  to  do  the  Christmas  picture  for 
1901,  and  in  the  holiday  edition  of  that  year  he  made  his  last 
appearance,  where  he  had  made  his  first,  in  any  literary  jounial. 
The  orbit  of  his  labors  was  complete. 


AN  APPLICATION  FOR  ADOPTION  RYWAI  ACKNOWLEDGMENT  ON  RECEIPT  OF  **  THE 

TER  OTTELL,  STEWARD  OF  THE  PLAYER  DREAD  LINE,”  FROM  THE  AUTHOR 


CIIAPTEK  LX1\' 


THE  CONSUL 

It  was  one  evening  in  iMarcli,  1902 — after  Tlieodore  Roosevelt 
had  become  President  of  the  United  States— that  Nast  received 
a letter  from  his  old  friend,  John  Hay,  Secretary  of  State,  offer- 
ing him  a consular  post.  Xast  had  asked  for  nothing,  for  he 
realized  that  there  was  no  strict  political  reason  why  he  should 
receive  anything  at  the  hands  of  the  Administration.  But  the 
impulses  of  Theodore  Roosevelt  have  not  always  been  repressed, 
even  when  not  i)olitically  justified.  He  recalled  those  cartoons 
which  had  been  his  political  text-hooks,  and  it  is  likely  that  he 
had  learned  the  needs  of  their  author.  The  letter  ran: 

Department  of  State, 

Washington,  iMarch  10,  1902. 

j\ly  Deal-  Xast: 

The  President  for  some  months  has  been  anxious  to  offer 


THE  CONSUL 


557 


you  some  place  in  the  consular  service,  but  no  vacancy  has 
tunied  up  exactly  filling  the  requirements.  There  is  to  be  a 
vacancy  in  Guayaquil  on  the  Pacific  coast,  Ecuador.  It  is  worth, 
I believe,  some  four  thousand  dollars.  The  President  would 
like  to  put  it  at  your  disposition,  but  if  you  think  it  too  far  away 
and  too  little  amusing  to  a man  with  the  soul  of  an  artist,  please 
sav  so  franklv,  and  he  will  keep  you  in  mind  if  anything  better 
should  tuni  up:  hut  it  is  heartbreaking  business  waiting  for 
vacancies.  Our  sendee  is  so  edifying  and  preseiwative  that  few 
die  and  nobody  resigns. 

Please  let  me  know  what  you  think  about  Guayaqud,  and 
believe  me  always.  Sincerely  yours, 

John  Hay. 


Xast  was  in  a quandary.  He  needed  the  position  badly,  but 
it  was  far  away,  among  a people  whose  language  and  customs 
he  did  not  know,  and  in  a dangerous  climate,  especially  as  he 
was  no  longer  young.  Yet  he  could  not  afford  to  decline  and 
wait  for  a more  congenial  post.  Neither  had  he  ever  refused 
any  service,  at  whatever  cost 


Jdi 


or  risk,  wherein  he  believed  he 
might  be  of  value  to  the  nation. 

His  understanding  of  inter- 
national problems  remained 
undimmed.  If  he  could  no 
longer  serve  in  his  old  way, 
perhaps  this  was  an  opportu- 
nity to  prove  his  usefulness  as 
a diplomat. 

A letter  was  written,  thank- 
ing the  powers  at  Washington 
for  their  kind  remembrance, 
asking  only  a little  delay  to 
complete  the  biographical 
notes  then  in  preparation. 

^leantime,  if  a more  con- 

’ HIS  NOTICE  TO  SECRETARY  HAY  THAT  HE 

genial  post  offered  he  would  was  ready  to  start  for  his  post 


558 


THOMAS  NASr 


be  glad.  In  April  lie  replied  to  a second  letter  from  Colonel 
Hay: 

My  Dear  Colonel  Hay: 

I thank  you  for  your  kind  favor  of  the  5th.  I hope  to  visit 
'Washington  soon,  and  will  then  consult  with  you  in  the  Guaya- 
quil matter.  i\Iy  desire  is  only  to  serve  the  administration  in 
the  manner  best  suited  to  my  capabilities,  and  at  such  times 
and  seasons  as  may  fall  within  the  requirements  of  such  ser- 
vice. Believe  me. 

As  ever, 

Th:  Xast. 

He  made  the  trip  to  'Washington,  still  in  the  hope  that  a post 
less  unsuited  might  be  found  for  him— something  in  England, 
perhaps,  or  his  native  Germany,  where  the  language  and  cli- 
mate and  the  people  were  familiar.  He  was  already  far  from 
well,  and  the  humid  atmosphere  of  an  equatorial  port  was  not 
likely  to  improve  his  condition. 

But  vacancies  were  few  and  the  Guayaquil  post  alone  re- 
mained. So,  sadly  enough,  it  hapi>ened  that  his  old  friend.  Hay, 
and  the  President  who  had  learned  politics  from  his  cartoons, 
were  the  ones  at  last  to  send  him  away,  to  die  on  a far  and  fever- 
smitten  coast. 

His  appointment  was  heralded  far  and  wide.  Those  who  had 
believed  him  dead  bestirred  themselves  to  congratulations  and 
to  a recalling  of  his  past.  For  a brief  moment  Tommy  Xast  was 
again  in  the  public  eye. 

In  the  weeks  remaining  before  his  departure,  he  was  hur- 
ried and  worried  with  preparation  and  his  health  did  not  im- 
prove. 

“ All  that  I have  put  off  for  years  comes  on  me  now,”  he  said, 
as  he  stood  amidst  a medley  of  unassorted  correspondence  and 
business  papers.  Ill  and  half  distraught,  he  was  less  like  the 
old  Xast  during  those  final  weeks  than  at  any  other  period  of 
his  life.  A photograph,  taken  just  before  he  sailed,  shows 
him  worn,  old  and  sad.  Beside  him  is  an  unfinished  painting 


THE  CONSUL 


559 


of  Lee,  showing  the  hero  of 
the  Confederacy  at  Appo- 
mattox, awaiting  the  ar- 
rival of  Grant.  Tt  is  a pa- 
thetic picture,  for  with 
Nast,  as  with  Lee,  it  repre- 
sents the  end  of  a long 
struggle — the  surrender. 

The  thought  of  leaving 
the  old  home  grieved  him 
sadly.  Sometimes  he  lin- 
gered about  the  grounds  re- 
garding the  different  ob- 
jects and  recalling  many 
memories.  Everything  was 
growing  old.  The  house  was 
ill  need  of  paint — the  drive- 
gate  was  rusty  on  its  hinges. 

“ It  looks  as  if  it  hadn’t  been  opened  in  years,”  remarked 
a visitor. 

” It  hasn’t,”  said  Xast.  ” General  Grant  drove  out  in  eighty- 
three.  It  has  never  been  opened  since.” 

Yet  for  the  most  part  he  strove  to  keep  up  good  cheer.  He 
gave  his  friends  pleasant  souvenirs  and  spoke  gaily  of  his  new 
career.  He  found  amusement  in  the  various  pronunciations  of 
the  name  of  his  new  post. 

” AVhat  are  you  going  to  that  God-forsaken  place  for?  ” one 
of  his  friends  asked. 

“ I’ll  tell  you,”  laughed  Xast.  “ I am  going  there  to  find 
out  how  to  pronounce  the  name  of  it.” 

Sometimes  he  spoke  of  what  he  would  do  on  his  re- 
tuiTi.  Perhaps  he  would  again  visit  the  mines,  which  he  still 
■owned. 


THE  HOUR  OF  SURRENDER 


6G0 


THOMAS  NAST 


“ It  can’t  be  that  everything  I ever  bought  was  bad,”  he 
said  quaintly.  “ Something  must  turn  out  well.  Maybe  it  will 
be  the  mines.” 

Perhaps  he  was  joking.  Perhaps  he  had  never  really  lost  faith. 

P>ut  somewhere  within  him  lay  the  knowledge  that  he  would 
not  return.  For  among  the  hasty  sketches  given  to  reporters  just 
before  his  departure  there  was  one  crude  drawing  of  himself  con- 
fronting the  dangers  of  the  equator,  and  yellow-jack  in  the  fore- 
/h-.  ground  is  the  death’s  head 

which  awaits  him.  It  was 
the  old  touch  of  unconscious 
prophecy  we  have  so  often 
noted  in  his  work.  It  seems 
fitting  that  it  should  at  last 
have  foretold  the  end. 

He  sailed  on  the  first  da}^ 

'r'4 

- 

Co 


THE  FINAL  PKOPHETIC  GOOD-BYE 


of  July.  Friends  accom- 
panied him  to  the  dock  and 
cheered  him  as  he  leaned 
over  the  rail  of  the  steamer  Orizaba  waving  a little  American  flag 
handkerchief. 

The  United  States  loves  peace,”  he  called  to  them,  “ so  do 
I.  I would  not  be  much  surprised  if  we  had  plenty  of  peace 
after  my  arrival  in  Guayaquil.” 

So  he  sailed  out  of  the  harbor  which  he  had  first  entered  as 
a little  boy  of  six,  just  fifty-five  years  before.  The  shores  then 
had  seemed  beautiful  to  him.  Perhaps  they  seemed  even  more 
beautiful  now  that  he  was  leaving  them  behind.  Then  he  had 
been  the  little  lad  of  Landau,  entering  the  world  which  he  was 
to  conquer  in  his  own  good  time  and  way.  Now  the  victories 
and  the  defeats  were  over.  The  fanfare  of  conquest  and  the 
heart-break  of  surrender — he  was  sailing  away  from  it  all. 
"With  Cassius  he  could  say: 


THE  COXSUL 


561 


“ And  where  I did  begin,  there  do  I end:  iny  life  is  run  his 
compass.  ’ ’ 

Did  he  recall  his  first  sight  of  America’s  beautiful  shores? 
Did  he  review  the  years  of  labor  that  had  gone  between?  Did  it 
occur  to  him  that  as  once  he  had  welcomed  these  green  slopes  so 
now  he  might  he  gazing  for  the  last  time  on  the  land  of  his  adop- 
tion? AYe  cannot  know  what  were  his  thoughts  as  he  sailed 
away,  hut  it  is  likely  that  all  of  this  entered  into  them,  and 
much  more. 

Benefited  by  his  sea  voyage,  he  arrived  at  Guayaquil  in  a 
cheerful  frame  of  mind.  A disastrous  fire  had  just  occurred, 
destroying  a considerable  portion  of  the  city,  and  fearing  the 
newspaper  reports  might  alann  those  at  home  he  cabled  July 
18,  “ Safe  and  well.” 

And  now  almost  for  the  first  time  since  his  youth  he  became 
a writer  of  letters.  Once  before— during  the  brief  visit  to  AYash- 
ington  in  1872 — he  had  put  by  the  pencil  for  the  pen.  Now,  as 
then,  he  found  relief  in  correspondence,  though  how  widely  dif- 
ferent his  reported  round  of  events.  In  his  isolation,  his  com- 
fort was  in  setting  down  from  day  to  day  his  impressions  of  the 
place,  the  scope  of  his  duties,  his  battle  with  the  hard  conditions 
of  the  tropic  port.  The  scourge  had  been  ominously  augmented 
by  the  demoralization  following  the  fire,  and  mails  were  irreg- 
ular. AA'ritten  as  occasion  permitted  and  mailed  as  opportunity 
offered,  in  these  letters  home  he  has  told  us  the  final  chapter  in 
his  own  way  and  words  better  than  it  could  he  done  by  any  other 
pen  whatever.  Beginning,  he  wrote: 

July  24.* — T don’t  know  what  T am  about,  really.  The  fire, 
the  yellow  fever  and  the  dirt  do  not  help  to  clear  one’s  mind. 
. . . I am  having  the  carpenter  make  some  alterations,  to 

get  more  light,  so  one  can  see  the  dirt  and  try  to  get  rid  of 

* The  dates  given  are  those  at  tlie  head  of  each  letter.  A single  letter  some- 
times covered  a period  of  days. 


36 


562 


THOMAS  NAST 


it.  I am  very  much  tired  out,  but  think  I will  get  along  really 
better  than  I thought.  My  appetite  is  so  good. 

I send  the  newspaper.  It  had  a very  rough  article  in  it 
about  me  before  I came— said  the  people  ought  to  rise  against 
such  Americans  as  the  U.  S.  sends,  and  put  them  out. 

Mr.  .Tones  (his  vice-consul)  is  verj^  kind,  wants  to  please.  I 
think  they  would  care  for  me  if  I am  ill. 


August  3.— Things  are  working  very  slowly.  I have  a bath 
but  no  water  as  yet.  The  cry  is,  “ to-morrow,  to-morrow,”  and 
their  to-morrow  is  longer  coming  than  it  is  in  the  States.  I am 
still  well,  but  the  people  say  here  I shall  be  laid  up  with  a chill. 
I am  not  afraid.  ...  I must  get  a bed.  IMr.  Jones  says  the 
hammock  will  not  do  (when  I get  sick).  I have  engaged  a sec- 
retary, he  has  been  in  the  British  service.  Ilis  name  is  Morales, 
— ))olite,  lame  and  has  a cough.  M"hen  he 
is  late,  the  cough  is  worse. 

They  told  me  to  be  careful  of  the  night 
air.  Can’t  see  how  it  can  be  kept  out. 
There  is  not  a pane  of  glass  in  the  whole 
city — open  day  and  night.  There  are 
shades,  we  can  shut  them,  but  the  air  goes 
through  them.  The  river  is  so  close — the 
tides  are  verj^  strong,  out  and  in.  When 
the  tide  is  out  the  smell  is  in;  when  it 


comes  back  again,  it  washes  the  smell 
away. 

The  picture  of  you  and  the  grandchil- 
dren is  u]i.  As  I look  at  it  and  see  all 
laughing,  I laugh  too.  It  does  seem  funny 
that  I am  here,  but  my  greatest  happi- 
ness is  that  you  are  not  here. 

August  4. — The  nights  are  cool.  One 
must  be  careful  about  catching  cold.  . . . Last  night  the 

bands  i)layed  in  the  square  for  the  first  time  since  the  fire. 
One  very  good,  the  other  rather  loud  and  brassy. 

Oh,  what  a place  this  is  for  gossip;  it  runs  wild,  like  the  rats. 

Do  you  remember  saying,  ” You  will  get  good  coffee,  any- 
way? ” The  coffee  is  vile.  The  nearer  one  gets  to  the  place  it 
grows  the  worse  it  is  made.  . . . Send  the  semi-weekly 

Evening  Post.  Send  it  to  ” our  home  ” first.  When  you  are 
through  with  it,  send  it  to  me.  It  does  not  matter  how  late. 

The  papers  here  make  the  most  of  the  yellow  fever  cases.  I 
am  afraid  we  won’t  have  any  mail.  I commence  the  moniing 
with  an  orange  or  a melon— even  the  melons  agree  with  me. 


THE  COXSUL 


563 


Limes  are  good  with  water.  Bananas  very  fine — pineapples  just 
great  and  pretty  cliea]).  Then  there  is  a fruit  called  tlie  “ pup- 
])ie  ” * — like  a melon,  but  more  like  the  best  pumpkin  pie  ever 
invented.  The  fruit  scare  is  a humbug,  it  doesn’t  hurt  me. 

August  12. — Am  well,  that’s  all.  No  knowing  when  this  will 
reach  you.  About  four  dead  as  near  as  I can  make  out,  but  the 
doctors  say  it  was  the  genuine  yellow  fever.  One  cannot  get  any- 
thing— delay  from  day  to  day,  nothing  finished.  ]My  place  still 
in  chaos.  Am  waiting  for  the  carpenter  this  very  minute. 

Mice,  rats,  bats,  moscpiitoes,  fleas,  spiders  and  dirt  all  thrive. 
Water  scarce.  I haven’t  had  a real  bath  yet.  There  is  not 
enough  to  fill  the  tub.  Hot  water  is  un- 
known here,  except  in  coffee,  and  that  is 
nearly  all  water. 

Have  to  buy  bed,  mattress,  pillows, 
sheets  and  so  forth,  and  set  up  house- 
keeping myself.  1 don’t  think  1 can 
stand  boarding. 

Oh,  the  people  are  very  poor.  Times 
are  hard — no  work,  nothing  doing.  I am 
so  glad  no  one  else  came.  ^ 

iUy  messenger  is  a colored  boy.  I as- 
tonish  him  every  few  minutes;  when  I 
want  anything  his  expression  is  sad  to^ 
look  at.  When  I say:  “ John,  I want  you  jj- 
to  do  something,”  his  face  falls,  he  looks 
as  if  he  would  cry.  But  when  he  wants 
anything — to  go  early — to  call  on  a sick 
friend — any  old  excuse — his  face  beams.  Forgetfulness  is  his 
chief  virtue. 

The  captain  of  a sailing  ship  with  lumber  from  Oregon  wants 
one  of  the  sailors  arrested.  He  told  me  that  the  man  was  com- 
ing to  see  me.  The  sailor  came.  He  looked  like  a sober,  straight 
kind  of  a man,  which  is  more  than  I can  say  of  the  captain.  The 
sailor  wants  to  be  relieved,  paid  up,  and  to  go  home.  The  cap- 
tain wants  him  put  in  jail  while  he  is  in  port,  or  with  my  per- 
mission ])ut  in  irons  on  board,  and  then  when  the  vessel  sails 
to  take  him  off  with  him.  The  captain  is  a very  strong  ass  and 
says  he  wants  him  so  he  can  give  him  just  one  blow.  That  one 
would  finish  him,  I think.  So  you  see  the  kind  of  troubles  a 
Consul-General  has. 

August  15. — Fete  day  for  some  saint — what  saint  don’t  know. 
The  streets  are  quiet— a great  relief  from  the  dreadful  noise  that 

♦ Probably  the  papaya,  or  South  American  papaw. 


5G4 


THOMAS  NAST 


women  and  animals  can  make.  The  nights  are  not  still  even. 
The  })oliee  whistle  all  night  long.  Firemen  have  a special  turn- 
out to  find  a fire,  now  that  a third  of  the  town  has  been  de- 
stroyed. 

The  army  have  their  drums  and  bugles  every  moniing  at 
half-past  four.  The  church  hells  begin  before  that.  Then  there 
is  a tov  railroad  that  the  Custom  House  runs,  which  begins  at 
half-nast  six.  The  people  are  up  early— they  can’t  help  it. 
They  are  a sickly  set,  poor  things!  . . . The  yellow  fever  is 
not  so  bad  as  they  make  out,  but  it  will  do. 

Yesterday,  to-day,  and  to-morrow,  feast  days  for  “ St. 
Jacinto,”  vdio  cures  all  diseases.  AVe  will  not  have  any  mail 
from  the  United  States  as  quarantine  is  outside  the  harbor. 
Ships  do  not  stop  but  go  south  with  the  mail  on  board,  and  wo 
may  get  the  letters  in  a month  when  the  ship  returns.  The 
mail  goes  out  to  the  north.  You  may  get  letters  from  me, 
Init  there  will  be  none  from  you  for  your  poor,  homesick 
old  man. 

August  19.— AYell,  had  to  get  a coffee-pot;  coffee  worse  and 
worse.  Could  not  stand  it  any  longer.  Alcohol  lamp  does  the 

boiling.  "Washing  up  is  hard.  Xo  hot 

S)  ]/  water.  They  don’t  use  hot  water  here. 

They  are  in*  it  all  the  time  and  need  no 
other.  ...  I have  bread,  fruit,  coffee, 
milk  for  my  breakfast.  At  last  I am  filled 
up.  I need  not  eat  so  much  any  more.  At 
first  I could  not  get  enough  I was  so  hun- 
gry. AYashing  is  not  so  dear — nor  so  clean 
either,  but  it  will  have  to  do,  like  every- 
I thing  else.  My  bed  is  ready,  but  I have  no 
sheets  yet,  so  I sleep  in  a room  with  my 
landlord.  He  is  really  very  kind.  There 
always  seems  to  be  somebody'  to  help  make 
life  so  one  can  stand  it  and  keep  up  hope. 

August  21. — The  coffee-pot  works  well — 
so  do  I — nothing  new — dirt,  dust  and  what 
follows.  ...  A steamer  is  outside,  but  as  it  comes  from 
Panama  is  not  allowed  to  land.  Oh,  1 want  my  mail.  It  is 
astonishing  there  is  not  more  sickness.  If  it  were  not  for  the 
tides,  there  would  be  a ]dague.  They  change  everything  and 
make  it  clean  again.  Another  man  gave  in  to  Yellow  Jack  yes- 
terday at  noon.  X^o  new  cases,  hut  the  steamer  wouldn’t  wait 
any  longer — went  south — mail  on  board. 

A month  ago  I took  charge  of  this  office — only  a month — 


THE  CONSUL 


5G5 


heavens!  ITow  long  it  seems!  AVell,  I must  make  the  best  of 
it.  1 hate  the  place,  but  don’t  say  anything  about  that! 

August  24. — I put  up  a line — a rope — to  keep  my  bread  and 
fruit  from  the  rats,  but  behold,  they  got  it ; they  thought  it  was 

a mistake  of  mine.  I see  C is  going  to  outdo  M in  the 

trusts.  The  trusts  are  going  to  make  a panic,  some  day.  Tell 
Cyril  to  make  a trust  of  good  boys  and  see  how  many  will  come 
into  it. 

August  27. — Just  came  from  mid-day  dinner.  They  call  it 
breakfast.  It  is  from  half-past  eleven  till  one,  but  people  like 
myself  that  get  coffee  at  half-past  six  A.lNl.  are  pretty  hungry 
about  noon.  Tea-supper  is  about  seven  P.i\I. 

It  would  go  hard  indeed  with  me  if  it  were  not  for  the  Ash- 
tons, because  one  needs  somebody — in  case — well — trouble  of 
any  kind.  But  I must  not  give  in.  If  sticking  will  do  it,  stick  I 
will.  It  does  bring  more  money  than  I can  make  at  home,  and 
time  may  do  something,  too. 

The  time  in  the  dark  is  long  between  six  and  eight.  About 
eight  is  my  bed-time,  sometimes  even  before.  I am  always  glad 
to  get  into  my  little  bed.  I sleep  now  through  all  the  noise, 
which  is  nearly  all  night,  and  when  there  is  no  noise  it  wakes 
me  up  to  hear  what  is  the  matter. 

August  28.— In  the  last  four  days,  between  the  rats  and  the 
eaptain,  my  time  has  been  much  taken  up.  The  rats  come  from 
next  door  through  the  open  window.  They  did  not  go  for  my 
bread  last  night.  I found  it  in  good  order  to-day.  The  tin  is 
slippery. 

The  paper  has  put  in  my  portrait  and  an  article  that  made  a 
good  impression.  I think  it  will  help. 

August  29.— The  captain  came  before  seven  this  morning 
and  was  sober — gave  me  a letter  in  which  he  stated  that  the  sea- 
man went  ashore  without  leave,  so  he  has  real  trouble.  He 
said  the  sailor  had  been  put  in  jail  by  the  captain  of  the  port. 
Now  we  have  straight  sailing.  I told  him  he  had  taken  the  case 
off’  my  hands.  After,  he  rushed  in  again,  said  the  man  refused  to 
work  because  he  was  sick.  I told  him  he  did  the  right  thing  by 
placing  the  case  in  the  hands  of  the  captain  of  the  port, 
and  now  to  do  a better  one,  get  a doctor  and  see  if  the  man  is 
sick  or  not.  He  said  that  would  cost  money.  Then  he  wanted 
to  know  if  he  would  have  to  pay  the  board  of  the  man  in  jail. 
I told  him  yes.  After  paying  a few  bills  he  will  come  to  his 
senses. 

“ La  Nacion  ” published  a sketch  T gave  them,  but  put  in 
extra  lines  for  reasons  of  its  own.  The  understanding  was  not 


566 


THOMAS  NASI 


to  say  who  did  it,'  and  they  kept  their  word.  They  thought  it 
rather  strong,  and  had  to  explain  it  in  type.  Will  give  them 
another  one  in  a few  days  about  the  steamboat  whistles,  if  they 
are  not  afraid. 

The  rats  got  the  best  of  me  again— cut  the  string  and  got  the 
bread.  I will  try  again  to-night. 

xVugust  30.— Ca]itain  called  again.  More  trouble.  Doctor 
says  hard  to  say  whether  the  man  is  sick  or  not.  Captain  says 
mate  saw  him  dancing.  Am  afraid  he  did 
disobey  orders  by  leaving  the  ship. 

Had  to  study  up  on  “ Seamen  and  i\[as- 
ters,”  but  couldn’t  find  anything  where  the 
captain  “ didn’t  care  about  having  a man 
that  was  not  a sailor  and  made  a gi’eat  dis- 
turbance, yet  at  the  same  time  would  take 
him  home  with  him.”  The  ]X)or  sailor 
does  not  want  to  go  with  him  if  he  can 
get  out  of  it.  I camiot  discharge  him. 
The  law  reads  “ discharge  only  by  mutual 
consent  of  master  and  seaman.” 


September  5. — . . . It  is  such  a new 
V i I,  p life.  It  takes  a little  time  to  get  into  it. 

...  Things  are  settling  down  though, 
and  I see  after  a while  I shall  be  able  to  do  a good  deal  of  my 
ovm  work.  The  trouble  is  one  does  not  know  when  a ])erson 
Avill  come.  These  people  have  so  much  time  on  their  hands,  and 
when  I })aint  and  they  do  come,  it’s  hard. 

September  10. — Am  well — working — signing  papers — waiting 
for  new  rows  from  sailors  or  somebody  else — ready  for  any- 
thing— but  tired  of  all  things — oh,  so  tired  of  this!  After  all 
it  is  very  funny,  often,  in  a way,  when  the  ball  is  over,  but  not 
while  it  lasts,  and  I hope  it  may  not  last  too  long.  It  hasn’t  killed 
me  so  far.  I hojie  I will  live  to  die  in  some  other  place.  Things 
are  bad  enough  without  my  being  buried  here. 

The  seaman  that  was  put  in  jail  by  the  captain  of  the  port,  to- 
day made  his  appearance.  I told  him  if  he  would  like  to  see  his 
ca})tain  ashore  he  could  find  him  around  the  comer  in  a drinking 
])lace,  as  he  spent  the  whole  day  there.  So  I sent  John  with  him. 
He  saw  him — John  saw  enough  to  get  out  before  the  end  of  the 
conversation.  The  seaman  left  the  captain.  John  tells  me  that 
he  crossed  the  river  on  the  ferry  and  is  safe  till  the  ship  leaves. 
1 am  very  glad  of  it. 

So))tember  15. — The  best  thing  is,  I keep  so  well.  I think  I am 
too  old  to  catch  the  fever.  I have  a little  hope  left  yet.  Let’s 


THE  COXSUL 


5G7 


stick  on  for  another  year,  anyway.  You  say  the  summer  is  damp 
—that  is  the  trouble  here,  too.  No  thunder  storms,  just  cloudy. 
People  call  it  “ fever  weather.” 

September  16.— The  trouble  is,  when  a person  has  the  slightest 
fever  or  headache  they  get  so  frightened— doctor  and  patient 
make  up  their  minds  that  it  is  yellow  fever.  The  last  report  has 
put  the  poor  people  in  a panic.  They  are  just  like  children. 

September  21.— You  say  my  poor  old  mocking  bird  misses  me. 
I am  ver}^  son-y.  I do  miss  him,  poor  fellow,  and  his  mocking 
sounds. 


Sejdember  25. — This  change  has  done  me  good  in  spite  of 
everything.  It  is  true  there  is  a great  deal  of  fever  in  this  place, 
but  I hope  I shall  escape  it.  They  look  at  me  and  say,  “ "VVell,  you 
have  not  blue  eyes.  You  are  more  like  a native,  and  you  are  too 
old  to  catch  it.”  Y hat  a blessing  to  be  old.  One  is  going  to  the 
next  world  soon,  anyway,  so  one  is  exempt.  For  the  first  time  I 
feel  glad  that  I am  old. 

September  29. — Everything  very  quiet.  The  so-called  “ best 
people  ” have  made  their  exits  on  account  of  the  yellow  fever. 
The  steamers  do  not  stop  here.  They  go  on  south.  That  alarms 
these  people  still  more.  AYe  get  the  mail  from  the  north,  after  it 
goes  south  and  returas.  I believe  the  next  steamer  is  to  stop. 
That  should  have  a good  effect. 

October  1.3. — The  fever  seemed  better 
last  week — worse  this.  It  seems  to  take 
the  light-eyed,  the  light-haired  people.  I 
do  keep  well  in  spite  of  all. 

They  say  every  dog  has  its  day.  They 
have  their  nights,  too.  They  bark  all 
night.  They  fight  on  feast  nights.  It  is 
simply  unendurable.  They  have  no  own- 
ers, but  run  wild.  The  people  say  they  eat 
the  refuse  that  is  throvm  in  the  street  and 
they  are  glad  to  have  them.  Coming  home 
after  the  band  plays,  I see  piles  of  refuse, 
and  dogs  eating  it  and  fighting  over  it. 

The  last  week  has  ]>een  dog-nights.  I do 
long  to  have  a stillness  such  as  we  have  in 
Mon-istown.  I long  to  ” hear  no  sound.”  But  I’ll  get  used  to 
it.  I am  getting  used  to  it.  Nothing  like  getting  used  to  every- 
thing ...  I am  not  reconciled,  but  hate  to  give  in  and  still 
think  I will  get  a better  place.  I will  make  a good  record. 

People  are  hard  up  here  for  reading  matter.  Look  over  our 
books  and  send  a box  of  twelve  volumes.  I think  the  despatch 


568 


THOMAS  NAST 


agent  will  send  them  on.  The  Union  Club  wants  books  very 
much  indeed,  poor  things!  and  we  can  spare  them.  Send  by  the 
Government.  It  will  be  cheaper.  Cheajmess  is  what  I have 
to  study  now,  day  and  night.  I have  time  to  think  it  out.  . . . 

The  9th  of  October  is  the  4th  of  July  in  this  wann  countiy.  At 
the  Union  Club  they  had  a fine  ball,  not  exactly  the  400,  but  they 
made  a very  good  show.  I was  invited  and  went  over  for  about 
an  hour.  They  did  all  they  could  for  me,  but  I did  not  want  to 
7>oq<^  fU/IV  tax  the  young  people,  so  I left 
- early. 

rt-MO  \\vljy  broke  up  about  half- 

P^^t  six  in  the  moniing.  The 
i^cties  got  into  carriages,  the  gen- 

~ ^ x''  tlemen  went  back  and  danced  as 

^ dance,  but  think  of 

it,  all  sober!  They  gi’eeted  me 
most  cordially,  and  I afterwards  found  out  I was  the  only  for- 
eigner asked.  They  keep  up  the  celebration  for  days — don’t 
know  when  to  stop — all  well-behaved  and  good-humored.  They 
are  just  like  children.  . . . AVell,  I am  scratching  for  a liv- 

ing, and  working  to  keep  out  of  the  hands  of  the  fever  devil. 

The  other  night  it  was  so  quiet  I woke  up  and  could  not  get  to 
sleep  again.  No  noise  of  any  kind.  I thought  something  was 
going  to  lia])pen,  but  it  did  not.  It  reminded  me  of  being  on 
board  a sleejier,  stopping  at  a station.  There  was  nothing  in 
the  room,  but  some  fruit  in  the  air,  protected  with  thick  tin, 
so  the  rats  cannot  get  into  it.  Their  usual  ball  takes 'place, 
though.  Every  little  while  I clap  my  hands  and  they  get.  They 
seem  to  like  the  place.  I am  growing  to  think  better  of  rats. 
Even  they  like  a clean  place  to  dance  in. 

Every  day  from  two  to  four  cases  of  yellow  fever.  Nearly  all 
fatal.  The  Germans  have  the  hardest  time.  It  stays  cool.  The 
weather  is  cloudy,  and  when  the  sun  does  get  through  the  clouds 
about  noon,  it  is  warm.  People  say  it’s  cooler  than  usual.  If  the 
fever  continues  while  it  is  like  this,  I am  afraid  it  will  go  hard 
with  us  all.  One  must  hope  for  the  best.  There  is  no  help  for  it. 


At  Quito  it  was  reported  that  Nast  already  had  the  fever  and 
inquiry  came  from  the  American  Minister  there.  Nast  refers  to 
this  and  adds: 


Sani])son  made  quite  a commotion  with  his  telegram.  ISIany 
people  thought  the  report  true.  . . . 

I can  save  more  money  now  as  I don’t  have  dinner  at  night 
any  more.  At  first  I had  to,  I was  so  hungry.  I could  hardly  get 


THE  CONSUL 


569 


filled  up.  I take  rolls  and  butter— they  call  it  butter.  "When  I 
leave  this  country  I can  sell  iny  bed  and  all.  \our  plans  about 
rats  are  good,  if  you  were  only  here  to  carry  them  out,  but 
thank  God  you’re  not! 

A steamer  came  in  the  night.  Delayed  outside  on  account 
of  yellow  fever  on  board  from  Panama.  I am  anxious  to  see  if 
we  get  the  mail. 

The  steamer  gone.  We  got  no  mail.  Before  the  doctors  got 
on  board  a sick  man  died.  The  steamer  was  ordered  to  go  on. 
What  will  happen?  Where  will  they  be  allowed  to  go?  AMien 
will  we  get  the  mail  ? Questions  I am  afraid  will  not  be  answered 
soon.  I am  just  thinking  how  horrible  to  be  on  board.  Think 

of  the  well  people  there. 

]\Iy  secretaiy  keeps 
about  the  same — slow — 
lame  — romantic — hon- 
est— . He  has  just  come 
hobbling  along,  was  a 
little  late,  and  when  late 
he  has  that  cough.  It 
does  make  me  smile 
when  I hear  that  cough. 
. . . One  great  thing 

about  my  rooms  is,  they  are  very  airy  now.  I manage  to  keep 
things  pretty  clean,  but  it  is  hard  work  to  do  it.  People  notice, 
when  they  call,  what  a nice  air  I have  here. 

October  17.— It’s  too  bad  to  see  a steamer  on  the  stream, 
my  letters  on  board,  on  account  of  a row  between  the  Board  of 
Health  and  the  British  Steamship  Company.  Everything  at  a 
standstill  over  a childish  quarrel.  It  makes  talk  at  the  cafe 
where  they  get  drunk  over  it.  I keep  out  of  it.  From  the  first 
I saw  it  would  not  do  for  this  old  man. 

October  20. — Well — well — what  with  painting  when  I am  able 
to  do  it  (it  dries  so  very  slowly),  and  what  with  the  Encyclopaedia 
Britannica  I manage  to  kill  time.  I have  been  reading  it  steadily 
and  enjoy  it  very  much.  Knowledge  is  a great  thing,  but  what 
a nuisance  to  find  out  how  little  we  know,  no  matter  how  long  we 
live  and  how  much  we  study. 

October  21.— Your  letter  just  came.  You  say  you  have  noth- 
ing to  write,  but  write  anything,  even  about  the  October  days, 
the  turning  of  the  leaves.  It  makes  me  homesick,  but  I’d  rather 
be  homesick  than  have  any  other  kind  of  sickness.  Most  of 
the  people  here  look  as  if  they  were  already  dead. 


570 


THOMAS  NAST 


A German  at  tlie  Union  Chib  with  bis  secretaiy  didn’t  tuni  up 
for  two  or  three  days;  yellow  fever.  His  secretary  then  didn’t 
tuni  up;  yellow  fever.  So  no  one  can  tell. 

The  priests  are  taking  hold  of  the  yellow  fever  now.  Yester- 
day afternoon  they  had  a pious  procession,  monks,  images,  etc., 
men,  women  and  children  with  prayer  books  and  candles,  end- 
ing up  with  a regimental  brass  band.  They  will  talk  it  over  in 
their  energetic  way,  and  tliat  will  be  about  all  they  will  do. 

AVell,  things  are  coming  nearer — nearer.  During  my  midday 
meal,  Wheeler,  an  Englishman,  said  to  me,  “ Do  you  remember 

that  Englishman  by  tlie  name  of  D that  was  with  me  so 

much?  Well,  he  went  up  to  Quito  with  Jones,  got  as  far  as 

Alasan,  took  sick  and  died.  I got  the 
'Cu,.  news  this  moniing.” 

Now  that  young  man  was  as  hearty  a 
boy  as  you  would  wish  to  see.  He  was 
clean  and  knew  how  to  live  in  a decent 
way,  but  he  was  blonde,  blue  eyes,  fever 
took  him.  This  kind  of  news  is  not  en- 
couraging. It  gives  one  the  blues. 

October  30. — For  the  last  week  things 
have  looked  pretty  bad.  The  German 
that  dined  at  the  club  died.  His  secretary, 
who  disappeared,  wanted  to  go  home  on 
the  last  steamer,  but  the  doctor  on  board 
would  not  take  him.  T am  afraid  he  will 
follow  his  master.  All  of  a sudden  one 
of  our  “ floorers  ” — (that  is  what  John  calls  the  Germans  that 
live  on  our  floor)  kept  his  door  closed.  Doctor  and  nurse  came 
and  went.  They  denied  that  anything  was  wrong,  but  I knew  bet- 
ter, so  we  kept  our  door  closed  and  I put  carbolic  acid  about  the 
hall,  also  chloride  of  lime.  That  makes  the  place  smell  like  a 
hospital.  Mr.  Miller,  my  landlord,  sniffed  it  out.  I said  noth- 
ing. He  went  in  the  room,  saw  that  one  was  sick  in  bed,  and  for 
the  sake  of  the  other  “ floorers  ” had  him  removed.  It  was  a 
relief.  He  is  better  so  far,  but  I must  say  it  is  uncomfortable. 

First  club,  then  on  our  floor.  It  is  coming  very  near.  The 
German  Consul’s  son  died  of  it  this  week.  But  with  all  these 
scares  I am  still  well.  I do  not  l)rag,  only  for  the  day  that  1 am; 
nothing  more,  nothing  less.  That’s  a good  idea  to  make  Roose- 
velt a British  Colonel. 

November  21. — You  say  the  money  arrived  safely  and  it  is  in 
the  bank.  Just  think  of  it!  bills  paid,  and  money,  real  money 
in  the  bank  again.  "Well,  Avell,  I shouldn’t  have  thought  such 


THE  CONSUL 


571 


a tiling  possible.  And  so  iNfr.  T thinks  I sliould  get  leave 

of  absence  from  a place  where  I am  making  money?  No,  I must 
stick  it  out,  no  matter  what  takes  place.  I do  think  I am 
making  an  impression,  too,  on  the  State  Department.  They  have 
sent  no  complaints  at  all,  and  they  may  promote  me,  at  least  I 
hope  so— and  leave  of  absence  would  cost  too  much.  I must 
stick.  Now  my  job  is  all  right,  if  we  only  get  a little  money 
ahead.  Oh,  how  I do  wish  the  mail  was  more  regular.  I must 
go  to  work.  Consular  work,  for  your  old  hoy  wlio  is  making 
money,  money  to  put  in  the  hank  again.  . . . 

One  of  the  dogs  came  in  the  hall  to  die  to-da}”.  John  took 
him  out.  There  was  a great  howling  and  snapping.  He  was 
jiretty  far  gone  and  weak,  hut  very  snappy.  I have  not  seen 
a good-looking  dog  in  this  town— dirty,  starved  and  wild.  They 
carry  infection  and  spread  fever  and  disease.  They  tight  all 
night  and  eat  refuse  thrown  into  the  street  from  the  houses. 

Yellow  fever  people  do  not  say  anything  about  the  “ grip  ” 
they  have  here.  The  doctors  say  there  are  a great  many  cases 
of  it.  I myself  know  five  pereons  that  had  it  and  they  all  thought 
they  had  the  yellow  fever.  I find  it  very  crampy,  too.  My  limbs 
get  stiff  and  crampy.  It  must  be  the  draughts  one  gets  into  after 
being  so  hot  and  moist.  T wake  in  the  night  with  cramps  and 
have  such  stiffness  in  shoulders  and  anus,  hut  I must  not  for- 
get I am  getting  old.  It  is  funny,  though,  no  matter  what  you 
have,  the  natives  all  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  the  yellow 
fever.* 

November  25.— IMails  as  usual  went  south.  Expect  them  to 
return  by  26th  or  27th. 

November  27.— No  steamer  yet  from  the  south,  to  bring  the 
news  from  the  north.  Oh,  these  English  steamers.  I should 
think  something  would  have  to  be  done  soon.  The  Government 
and  the  merchants  can’t  stand  it  much  longer.  . . . Steamer 
arrived  but  no  mail  from  the  south,  so  I have  nothing  to  answer. 
I am  anxious  to  hear  from  you— something  to  be  thankful  for 
on  Thanksgiving  Day. 

There  was  but  one  letter  after  this— a brief  note  written  on 
the  back  of  a circular  announcing  a Colombian  peace  ceremonial 
which  he  attended.  He  tells  of  it,  and  adds: 

"What  a lot  of  tomfoolery  there  is  still  in  this  world  all  about 
nothing.  Now,  if  the  Colombians  would  only  strike  a bargain 

* It  is  possible  that  in  this  paragraph  he  gives  us  the  earliest  symptoms  of  his 
own  illness. 


572 


THOMAS  NASI 


with  Uncle  Sam,  let  us  go  to  work  and  stop  fooling,  all  would 
be  right.  If  not,  1 hope  Uncle  Sam  will  take  the  Nicaragua 
route. 

Enclose  me  a list  of  the  different  colleges.  A lawyer  here 
wants  the  tenns  to  send  his  delicate  son.  If  you  send  them  it 
will  save  him  postage.  He  looks  up  law  infoniiation  for  me  and 
has  been  very  kind  to  your  old  man. 

The  date  of  this  letter  was  “ Sunday,  Nov.  30.”  The  next  day 
—humid  and  sultiy  as  so  many  days  are  there— he  complained 
a little  of  nausea  and  lay  all  day  in  the  hammock.  His  secretary, 
F.  Morales,  to  whom  he  had  referred  in  his  letters,  was  attentive 
to  his  wants.  Tuesday  Mrs.  Morales  called,  and  later  sent  some 
tea,  which  the  Consul  could  not  swallow.  On  Thanksgiving 
evening  he  had  dined  with  the  Ashtons,  presenting  them  with 
the  traditional  American  Turkey.  He  had  seemed  in  his 
usual  good  spirits,  indeed  quite  merry.  He  declared  now  that 
he  was  only  a little  bilious  from  high  living  and  would  be  bet- 
ter presently.  During  the  day  he  got  up  and  attended  to  his 
duties  of  despatching  a steamer  which  had  dared  the  dangers 
of  the  pest.  Vice-Consul  Jones,  who  had  been  out  of  the  city, 
returned  on  "Wednesday  and  found  him  still  lying  in  the  ham- 
mock, but  verj'  cheerful  and  fully  dressed.  Yet  the  vice-consul 
called  a physician,  who  diagnosed  the  case  as  liver  trouble. 

The  Consul  did  not  improve,  and  on  Friday  took  to  his  bed. 
On  that  day  he  sent  his  private  keys  to  the  English  vice-consul, 
Mr.  Ashton.  This  seemed  strange,  though  Nast  still  protested 
that  he  was  not  seriously  ill.  Even  on  Saturday,  when  a second 
and  a third  physician  were  called  and  pronounced  his  case  the 
fever  in  its  worst  form,  he  smiled  and  said  cheerfully  that  he 
had  been  ill  with  such  fever  many  times  before.  His  secretary 
in  a letter  tells  the  final  scene. 

” At  eleven  o’clock  (Saturday  night)  he  spoke  to  me  and 
to  ^Ir.  Ashton  and  said  that  he  felt  much  better.  After  this  he 
became  unconscious  and  he  did  not  speak  any  more.  On  Sunday, 


THE  CONSUL 


5T3 


at  11.35  A.]\r.  lie  died,  iiotwitlistandhig  the  iiersonal  care  and 
attention  of  ]\Ir.  .Tones,  Mr.  Ashton  and  myself.” 

And  so  at  last  it  was  all  over.  The  little  lad  who  had  played 
in  the  meadows  hack  of  Landan,  the  youth  who  had  so  gaily 
marched  with  Garibaldi,  the  man  who  helped  to  preseiwe  a 
nation  and  to  rid  a city  of  dishonor — who  in  his  old  age  had 
found  only  poverty  and  defeat  and  surrender — lay  dead  at  last 


in  the  seiwice  of  his  adopted  land. 

Then  all  of  those  to  whom  he  had  endeared  himself  during  the 
few  months  of  his  dwelling  among  them— all  the  consular  conDS 
—the  Goveraor  and  the  local  authorities— the  staff  of  the  paper 
which  had  once 
condemned  him  un- 
seen, hut  which  now 
si>read  flowers  upon 
his  bier — the  meni- 
hers  of  his  club — 
the  citizens  of  his 
own  land,  and  a vast 
concourse  of  natives 
who,  because  he  had 
been  kind  to  them, 
had  leanied  to  love 
the  “ little  Ameri- 
can,” turned  out  to 
do  him  final  honor, 
and  at  five  o’clock 
on  the  day  of  his 
death  bore  him  to 
his  last  resting  place, 
wrapped  in  the  flag 
he  had  loved  and 


defended  so  long. 


THE  VACANT  DESK  AT  MOUKISTOWN 


574 


THOMAS  NAST 


Tlie  news  came  to  liis  home — to  the  big  quiet  house  which 
through  all  the  years  he  had  never  let  go^ — to  the  wife  who  had 
made  his  life  her  life,  his  battle  her  battle,  who  could  not  now 
follow  the  path  he  had  taken  or  know  the  comfort  of  being  near 
his  grave.  First  there  came  the  official  cable,  brief,  bald  and 
hopeless.  “ Nast  died  to-day,  yellow  fever  ’’—the  stoiy  told 
in  five  words.  Then  followed  the  fonnal  letter  from  the  Depart- 
ment at  'Washington,  and  by  and  by  came  letters  from  those 
who  had  been  near  him  at  the  end.  Each  told  the  story  of  his 
last  hours,  with  words  of  comfort;  each  referred  to  his  efficient 
service  and  how  he  had  won  his  way  to  the  hearts  of  the  people. 

In  his  official  letter  to  the  Department  at  Washington,  Vice- 
Consul  General  Jones  closed  by  saying: 

“ Ills  death  was  very  generally  regretted,  as  during  his  short 
term  of  office  he  had  made  many  friends.” 

Mrs.  Sampson,  wife  of  the  American  INIinister  at  Quito,  wrote: 
” lie  seemed  to  have  a gift  in  dealing  with  these  most  pecu- 
liar people.” 

British  Vice-Consul  Ashton,  in  a letter  to  Cyril  Nast,  said: 
” Your  father  was  very  i)opular  and  considered  the  l)est  Con- 
sul ever  sent  to  Guayaquil,”  while  Mrs.  Ashton,  in  a letter  to 
Mrs.  Nast,  added: 

” During  his  short  residence  here  l\Ir,  Nast  became  a great 
favorite.  He  was  always  so  genial,  and  the  natives  had  a great 
admiration  and  respect  for  him.  I have  heard  many  comment 
on  the  able  way  he  filled  a very  difficult  position  and  entirely 
succeeded  in  diverting  the  strong  focus  of  attention  from  the 
American  colony.  We,  personally,  have  lost  an  honored  and 
dear  friend,  whom  we  miss  and  deplore  daily.” 

But  perhaps  the  little  secretary,  he  of  the  limp  and  the 
cough,  brings  us  a shade  nearer  to  the  Nast  we  knew  best,  when, 
in  closing  his  letter,  he  says: 

” I do  not  write  more,  as  I am  deeply  affected  by  this  sad 


THE  CONSUL 


575 


affair.  During  the  four  and  a half  months  that  I have  sen’ed 
under  your  kind  fatlier  I had  learned  to  esteem  him  dearly,  and 
he  had  shown  me  gi’eat  kindness  and  also  friendship  to  my 
family  and  self.” 

Here  is  suggested  the  j^ersonal  Nast  we  know — the  man  who  on 
a train  would  take  a sick  baby  to  relieve  its  jaded  mother,  who 
was  always  ready  to  hold  out  a helping  hand,  to  make  easier  a 
toilsome  way. 

And  now  once  more  the  press  throughout  the  land  echoed 
the  name  and  deeds  of  the  “ Father  of  the  American  Caidoon.” 
Old  enmities  were  put  aside  and  old  injuries  forgotten.  North 
and  South  he  was  honored  and  his  name  linked  with  the  nation’s 
heroes.  Once  more  he  held  his  old  })lace  in  the  “ Journal  of 
Civilization  his  portrait  on  the  front  page,  with  reproduc- 
tions of  his  famous  cartoons  within.  Colonel  Watterson,  his 
ancient  antagonist  and  friend,  paid  him  a noble  editorial  tribute. 
He  sjjoke  of  him  as  a man  of  ” surpassing  genius  and  private 
worth,”  and  added: 

” He  was  a sturdy,  undoubting  positivist,  was  Thomas  Nast. 
To  him  a spade  was  a spade  and  he  never  hesitated  to  call  it  so. 
He  had  the  simple,  childlike  faith  of  the  artist,  crossed  upon 
the  full-confident  spirit  of  the  self-made  man.  To  the  younger 
generations  the  name  of  Thomas  Nast  is  but  a shade.  Yet  a 
century  hence  his  work  will  be  sought  as  an  essential  sidelight 
upon  the  public  life  in  the  United  States  during  the  two  decades 
succeeding  the  great  sectional  war.  His  satire  flashed  upon  a 
rogue  and  discovered  a rascal  like  a policeman’s  lanteni. 
Always  unsparing  and  direct,  sometimes  cruel,  he  was  the  old 
Saxon  warrior  over  again.  Yet  to  those  who  knew  him  with  his 
armor  off  and  his  battle  axe  hung  upon  the  wall,  one  of  the 
heartiest  and  healthiest  of  men;  quick  to  requite  the  proven 
wrong;  ready  to  give  and  take,  to  live  and  let  live,  an  ideal 
comrade  and  a model  of  the  domestic  virtues.” 


CHAPTER  LXV 


AT  THE  END  OF  THE  LONG  JOURNEY 

In  the  making  of  this  book,  the  writer  has  not  attempted  to 
l)repare  a minute  personal  biography,  or  essayed  to  compile 
a complete  catalogue  of  events.  In  the  main,  the  effort  has  been 
to  tell  the  story  of  a series  of  pictures  which  became  an  impor- 
tant part  in  this  nation’s  history.  Also  to  present  such  episodes 
and  conditions  as  would  make  clear  their  meaning  to  a younger 
generation,  with  the  moral  reason  of  existence  which  lies  behind 
them  all. 

For  primarily,  and  before  all,  Thomas  Nast  was  a moralist. 
One  may  be  a warrior  and  a patriot,  a statesman,  even  an  agi- 
tator of  refonn,  without  being  wholly  free  of  self-interest  — 
ready  to  lay  down  life  and  fortune  for  a principle,  asking  for 
no  return  beyond  the  earning  of  his  hands.  The  life  of  Thomas 
Nast  was  lived  throughout  with  an  unselfishness  of  puqiose 
and  a moral  purity  seldom  equalled.  He  was  in  the  fullest  sense 
the  arch  enemy  of  evil  in  every  form,  never  letting  pass  an 
opportunity  to  strike  it  down.  He  saw  in  a straight  line  and 
aimed  accordingly.  He  never  lost  sight  of  the  end  in  view, 
and  it  was  to  his  great  singleness  of  purpose  and  the  increasing 
fierceness  of  blow  after  blow  landed  on  the  same  spot  that  his 
startling  achievements  were  due. 

It  was  natural  that  such  a man  should  make  enemies  as  well 


AT  THE  END  OF  THE  LONG  JOURNEY 


577 


as  friends.  Men  concerned  in  political  intrigue  and  the  prac- 
tices of  corruption,  men  seeking  to  ride  down  and  disregard  the 
rights  of  their  fellow  men,  those  who  would  cloak  ill-doing  with 
a mantle  of  righteousness— in  a word,  every  intruder  upon 
human  privilege  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness— these  were  his 
enemies. 

His  friends  were  among  the  heroes  and  the  benefactors  of 
mankind.  Lincoln,  Grant,  Booth,  Whitman,  Bergh,  Henry 
Irving,  George  AV.  Childs — such  as  these  honored  his  genius 
and  his  integrity  and  were  accounted  among  his  friends.  But 
there  was  a host  of  others— scores  of  lesser  note,  and  all  the 
vast  multitude  of  burden  hearers  who  recognized  in  him  a cham- 
pion that  never  failed  to  strike  for  humanity  and  the  cause 
of  right.  Preeminently  Thomas  Xast  was  a man  to  be  hon- 
ored for  the  friends  and  loved  for  the  enemies  he  had  made. 

His  purely  j^olitical  opponents  seldom  cherished  more  than  a 
brief  bitterness.  It  was  the  moral  offender  who  had  been 
brought  within  range  of  his  searchlight  who  never  forgave  him 
or  missed  the  opportunity  of  crying  down  his  capabilities  and 
his  deeds.  Sadly  enough  they  were  upheld  by  a small  but  ven- 
omous coterie  of  his  fellow  craftsmen,  who,  with  more  of  academ- 
ic knowledge  in  the  matter  of  mere  technique,  comprehended 
neither  his  genius  nor  his  success,  and  hated  him  according  to 
their  lights.  It  was  these  who  gave  color  and  official  voice  to 
the  oft  and  loudly  repeated  declaration  that  Nast  was  not  an 
artist,  that  he  had  not  the  least  notion  of  drawing,  that  his  ideas 
could  not  be  his  own  but  were  supplied  by  George  AVilliam 
Curtis  or  Fletcher  Harper.  It  seems  hardly  necessary  to  dwell 
upon  this  now.  Throughout  the  pages  of  this  l)ook  are  many 
letters  which  put  to  ridicule  any  statement  that  Nast  did  not 
conceive  his  own  ideas— those  inventions  boni  of  fierce  issues 
and  fervent  and  righteous  convictions.  AA^hat  Nast  did  require 
was  the  sympathy  and  the  confidence  of  those  about  him. 

37 


578 


THOMAS  NAST 


Fletclier  Hari^er  understood  and  gratified  this  need,  and  in  this 
peculiar  and  beautiful  sense  became  his  surest  inspiration. 

As  a matter  of  fact  he  had  ten  ideas  for  eveiy  one  that  he 
used.  Nature  never  created  a more  fertile  brain,  a keener  mental 
vision  or  a more  absolute  individuality  than  were  combined  in 
the  person  of  Thomas  Nast.  In  a recent  conversation,  Mr.  J. 
Henry  Harper  said  to  the  writer: 

“ Nast  was  one  of  the  great  statesmen  of  his  time.  I have 
never  known  a man  with  a surer  political  insight.  He  seemed 
to  see  approaching  events  before  most  men  dreamed  of  them 
as  possible.  His  work  was  entirely  his  own,  and  done  in  his 
own  way.  He  never  could  bear  interference  or  even  suggestion. 
Sometimes  a good  idea  came  in  that  we  thought  he  might  use, 
but  he  never  did  so.  He  always  had  more  than  enough  without 
it.  He  was  likely  to  plan  a whole  campaign  of  pictures  before 
one  was  drawn.  I never  knew  him  to  use  an  idea  that  was  not 
his  own.” 

As  for  Nast’s  ability  to  draw,  the  pictures  speak  for  them- 
selves. If  they  are  not  academic,  they  are  at  least  the  powerful 
embodiment  of  an  idea  and  pur])Ose— all  the  more  powerful,  it 
may  be,  for  their  ingged  disregard  of  rule.  It  is  not  always  the 
trained  talker,  or  the  fluent  penman,  or  the  perfect  draughtsman 
who  has  the  most  to  say.  There  is  a divine  heritage  which  rises 
above  class-drill  and  curriculum — a God-givezi  impulse  which 
will  seek  instinctively  and  find  surely  the  means  to  enter  and  the 
way  to  conquer  and  possess  the  foreordinated  kingdom.  Such 
a genius  was  that  of  Thomas  Nast.  Lacking  a perfect  mastery 
of  line,  he  yet  possessed  a simt)licity  of  treatment,  an  under- 
standing of  black  and  white  color  values,  with  a clearness  of 
vision,  a fertility  of  idea,  and  above  and  beyond  all  a supreme 
and  unwavering  pmqiose  which  made  him  a pictorial  power 
such  as  this  generation  is  not  likely  to  know  again.  Perhaps 
all  this  is  not  art.  Perhaps  art  may  not  be  admitted  without  the 


rr  THE  END  OF  THE  LONG  JOURNEY 


579 


grace  of  careful  training— the  touch  that  sootlies  and  fills  the 
critic’s  eye.  But  if  it  he  not  art,  then,  at  least,  it  is  a genius 
of  no  lesser  sort.  There  are  men  who  will  tell  you  that  Grant 
was  not  a general.  There  are  others  who  will  hold  that  Nast 
was  not  an  artist.  Yet  these  two  were  mighty  warriors — each  in 
his  own  way — and  the  world  will  honor  their  triumphs  when  the 
deeds  of  their  critics  have  vanished  from  the  page  of  memory, 
and  their  bodies  have  become  but  nameless  dust. 

And  Nast  was  something  more.  He  was  a thoughtful  reader, 
a careful  student  of  history,  a philosopher  whose  reasonings 
and  deductions  were  rarely  to  be  gainsaid.  Kesearch  into  the 
life  and  manners  of  the  older  civilizations— the  uncovering  of 
buried  cities— the  tracing  of  the  way  that  leads  from  the  mys- 
tery of  the  past  to  the  maiwel  of  the  present,  always  appealed 
to  him,  and  some  of  his  conclusions  were  strikingly  conceived 
and  aptly  phrased.  Once  commenting  on  the  statement  that 
history  rej)eats  itself,  he  said: 

“ It  does— but  not  quite.  It  travels  forward  like  a cork- 
screw, never  returning  quite  to  the  same  place.” 

AVe  need  not  review  Nast’s  achievements  here.  The  support 
of  the  Union  and  of  the  nation’s  armies,  the  triumph  over  Tweed, 
the  continuous  battle  for  political  betterment,  these  have  all 
been  told.  He  was  the  first  of  those  who  to-day  constitute  a 
great  and  worthy  following.  In  the  same  spirit  that  the  inodern 
playwright  goes  back  to  the  well-spring  of  the  drama,  so  the 
American  cartoonist  turns  legitimately  for  insi^iration  to  the 
pictures  of  Nast.  “ Shakespeare  has  said  it  all  ” is  our  com- 
mon expression,  and  it  was  Bernhard  Gillam  who  declared, 

Nast  has  about  done  everything.”  Being  first,  it  was  neces- 
sary for  him  to  establish  fundamentals,  to  construct  the  alphabet 
of  an  art.  The  work  was  not  arbitrarily  done,  nor  were  the 
results  due  to  accident.  The  s\unbols  which  to-day  confront  us 
on  every  hand  were  each  the  inevitable  expression  of  some 


580 


THOMAS  XAST 


OniGINAL  STUDY  FOU  “ THE  IM.MOUTAL  LIGHT  OF  GENIUS  ” 
(See  page  547) 


existing?  ooiiflition  which  hy  strong?,  sure  mental  evolution  found 
absolute  embodiment,  and  became  a jiictured  fact.  "We  can  no 
more  efface  them  than  we  can  alter  the  characters  of  our  spel- 
ling book.  The  Brother  .Jonathan  of  England  we  accepted  as 
our  Ihicle  Sam, (though  Xast  dignified  the  uncouth  figure),  and 
later  cartoonists  have  added  to  his  k]mhlen’S.  But  the  old  Tiger, 
Elephant,  Donkey,  ]tag-l)ahy,  and  all  the  others  we  have  noted, 
still  do  daily  service,  and  the  pictorial  world  without  them  would 
he  poor  indeed. 

Yet  while  the  symbols  do  not  die,  certain  types  of  Nast  are 
happily  extinct.  In  the  North,  the  fighting  Irish  immigrant 
with  his  shillalah;  in  the  South,  that  benighted  relic  of  the  dark 
ages,  the  illiterate  slave-driver.  They  survive  now  chiefly  in 
memory,  but  they  existed  once  in  reality,  and  it  was  a part  of 
Xast’s  mission  to  aid  in  their  extermination. 

Looking  through  the  cartoons  of  that  time  and  comparing 


AT  THE  EM)  OE  THE  LONG  JOCRXEY 


581 


them  with  those  of  to-day  we  are  impressed  with  something 
more  than  tlie  dilTerence  in  types  and  treatment. 

To-day  the  merit  of  our  cartoons  lies  mainly  in  their  technique 
and  the  clever  statement  of  an  existing  condition.  They  are 
likely  to  be  the  echo  of  a policy,  a reflection  of  i)ublic  sentiment 
or  a record  of  daily  events.  The  cartoons  of  Thomas  Nast  were 
for  the  most  part  a manifest,  a protest,  or  a prophecy.  They 
did  not  follow  public  events,  but  preceded  them.  They  did  not 
echo  public  sentiment,  but  led  it.  They  did  not  strive  to  please 
the  readers,  but  to  convince  them.  They  were  not  inspired  by 
a mere  appreciation  of  conditions,  l)ut  by  a powerful  convic- 
tion of  right  and  pnnciple  which  would  not  be  gainsaid.  In  the 
words  of  l\Ir.  IMitchell,*  “ men,  women,  and  children— those  who 
read  and  those  who  did  not  ’’—were  stirred  by  them  to  the 
depths  of  their  being.  They  applauded  them  or  they  condemned 
them,  but  they  never  passed  them  Ijy.  C.  G.  Bush  recently  said 
to  the  writer:  “ Nast  more  than  any  other  man  demonstrated 
that  a cartoon  is  not  necessarily  a humorous  caricature,  but  a 
powerful  weapon  of  good  or  evil.” 

The  altered  attitude  of  our  pictures  of  to-day  is  not  due  to 
the  individuals  but  to  the  conditions.  Nast  began  when  the 
nation  was  in  a flame  of  conflict.  AVlien  the  fierce  heat  of  the 
battle  had  sul)sided,  it  left  the  public  in  the  ebullient  forma- 
tive state  where  human  ])assions  run  high  and  human  morals 
and  judgment  are  disturbed.  At  such  times  strong  human  per- 
sonalities leap  forth  to  seize  the  molten  elements  and  shape  the 
fabric  of  futurity.  Such  men  have  little  place  to-day.  The  New 
York  Herald  not  long  ago  (March  7,  1902)  said  editorially: 

” The  press  of  America  merely  mirrors  public  opinion  instead 
of  commanding  it.” 

And  it  is  this  that  the  cartoonist  of  the  present  must  be  con- 
tent to  do.  lie  can  but  mirror  the  procession  of  events— not 

* See  extract  (luoted  tully,  page  540. 


582 


THOMAS  NAST 


direct  them.  Yet  should  the  time  retuni  when  issues  once  more 
are  blazing  white,  when  right  and  wrong  press  fiercely  upon 
the  hearts  of  men,  then  from  among  the  craftsmen  of  to-day 
there  will  rise  those  who  shall  seize  the  glowing  metal  and  strike 
as  firmly  and  with  as  sure  a blow  as  did  Thomas  Nast. 

For  nearly  a cpiarter  of  a century,  through  the  pages  of  Ilar- 
iwr’s  Weekly,  Nast  gave  his  strength  to  the  American  peojfie. 
lie  was  profoundly  moved  by  every  public  question,  and  his 
emotions  found  expression  in  his  pictures.  Such  a man  can 
but  awaken  a powerful  response.  He  was  continually  in  the 
public  eye.  His  every  utterance  was  watched  and  considered, 
and,  as  we  have  seen,  there  came  to  him  letters  of  every  sort. 
Many  of  them  reviled  him— some  were  like  benedictions. 
Women,  and  men  also,  often  wrote,  “ God  bless  you!  ” Others 
said,  “ God  aid  you  in  your  work!  ” 

Often  in  the  hour  of  his  elevation  he  was  charged  with  arro- 
gance, self-assurance  and  conceit.  Yet  these  were  never  his 
characteristics.  It  was  not  self-assurance,  but  self  assuredness; 
not  self-conceit,  but  self-certainty;  not  arrogance,  but  a proud 
impatience  with  anything  that  savored  of  surrender  or  com- 
promise. 

It  is  true  that  he  realized  his  power.  To  his  wife  he  some- 
times said:  “ I am  overwhelmed  with  responsibility.  I must 
make  no  mistakes.”  And  when  we  recall  the  positive  attitudes 
he  assumed  on  every  issue  and  the  number  of  his  pictures,  it 
seems  marvellous  the  few  mistakes  he  made.  In  the  twenty-five 
years  of  his  chief  labor  he  produced  no  less  than  three  thou- 
sand pictures,  and  not  one  of  them  was  ever  drawn  for  evil  or 
against  his  convictions  in  a cause. 

From  such  a busy  life  as  his,  and  from  such  a mass  of  mate- 
rial as  he  left  behind,  there  is  but  a small  part  which  we  may 
sift  out  and  ])reserve.  The  writer  has  tried  to  do  this  without 
bias  and  without  neglect.  Yet  now  that  the  work  is  finished 


AT  THE  END  OF  THE  LONG  JOURNEY 


583 


and  the  labor  lies  all  behind,  he  feels  that  he  has  been  helplessly 
unequal  to  the  sacred  task.  For  it  is  the  story  of  a man  and  a 
period  such  as  this  nation  may  not  know  again. 

Thomas  Xast  was  a genius  of  the  people  and  for  the  people, 
and  his  impress  shall  not  perish  from  the  world  of  art.  Yet  it 
may  be  that  the  generations  of  the  future  will  not  write  him 
down  an  artist.  Even  so,  to  have  been  named,  by  thoughtful 
and  sincere  men,  with  Lincoln  and  Grant  as  a benefactor  of 
his  people— to  have  placed  a great  city  and  a nation’s  annies 
in  his  eternal  debt,  and  to  have  died  at  last  in  his  countiy’s 
service,  may  perhaps  be  counted  enough.  lie  was  often  charged 
with  being  a partisan,  and  this  is  a title  which  I think  we  may 
accept  with  honor.  I think  when  the  day  comes,  as  it  surely 
will,  that  men  shall  raise  a tablet  to  his  memory,  tlien  reverently 
we  may  inscribe  upon  it — 

Thomas  Xast,  Patriot  and  ^Moralist, 

A I’artisan  of  The  Pight. 


A SKETCH  FOUND  IN  NAST’s  DESK  AT 
-MORRISTOWN 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


(The  Index  to  Illustrations  will  be  found  on  pages  xvii  et  seq.) 


Abbey,  Edwin  A.,  46G,  467. 

Adee,  Alvey  A.,  3.37. 

Alabama  Claims,  13.5,  211-213. 

Alexander,  John  W.,  529. 

Ames,  Oakes,  269,  270,  274. 

Amnesty  (1876),  322-324. 

Amnesty  and  Pardon,  President’s  procla- 
mation of,  108. 

Anarchists,  the ; see  Chicago  anarchists, 
the. 

Andersonville  prison  charges,  323. 

.\nthony,  A.  V.  S.,  41,  43. 

Anthony,  E.  and  H.  T.,  publishers, 
9.5. 

Anti-Jewish  agitation  in  German}',  442. 

-\nti-Monopoly  Party,  503. 

Arbeiter  Zeitung,  the,  523. 

.Army  and  Xavy,  the,  defended  l)y  Xast, 
293,  324,  353,  360,  372;  testimonial  to 
Xast,  372,  374,  407-409. 

.Arnold,  George,  22. 

.Arthur,  Chester  .A.,  nominated  for  Vice- 
President,  429;  elected,  4.39;  part 
played  in  Stalwart-Half-Breed  Quarrel, 
444,  445,  449,  4.50,  486,  487 ; beginning 
of  presidential  term,  4.52,  4.53;  inavigural 
address,  4.5.3;  efforts  to  rebuild  navy, 
4.59;  veto  of  River  and  Harbor  Bill,  460; 
administration  approved  by  Curtis,  478; 
favored  by  Xast,  486;  attitude  toward 
nomination,  486;  name  presented  to 
Republican  Xational  Convention  (1884), 
4.89;  close  of  administration,  515,  516; 
death,  516. 


Astor,  John  Jacob,  144. 

Atlantic  Monthly,  2.54,  2.5.5. 

Babcock,  O.  E.,  326. 

Barnard,  George  S.,  186. 

“Battle  of  the  .Artists,”  235. 

Bayard,  Thomas  F.,  4.31,  497. 

Bayonet  rule,  304,  30.5,  339. 

Beard,  Frank,  .501. 

Beecher,  Henry  Ward,  164,  497. 

Belknap,  AVilliam  W.,  32.5,  326. 

Bellew,  Frank,  22,  94,  254,  26.5,  335. 

Bellew  (the  elder)  as  a caricaturist,  120. 

Belmont,  .August,  1.37. 

Bennett,  .lames  Gordon,  Jr.,  278,  296,  .301, 
.30.3;  see  also  Xew  A’ork  Herald. 

Bennett,  James  Gordon,  Sr.,  124,  356. 

Benson,  Eugene,  17. 

Bergh,  Henr}',  264,  577. 

Berghaus,  Alfred,  19,  21,  24. 

Billings,  Josh,  202. 

Bingham,  John  .A.,  270. 

Black  Friday  (1869),  136;  (1873)  287. 

Black,  William,  467. 

Blaine,  James  G.,  relation  to  Credit 
Mobilier,  269;  defeated  for  Speakership 
of  House  of  Representatives,  306;  first 
Xast  cartoon  of,  307 ; in  debate  on 
.AinnestyBill,  .322,  32.3;  as  a presidential 
candidate  (1.876),  .328,  .330;  advocate 
of  Chinese  Exclusion,  386,  41.3;  prote.st 
against  a certain  cartoon,  420,  421; 
again  caricatured  by  Xast,  42.5;  can- 
didate for  presidential  nomination 


I 


Bla 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


Cla 


(1880),  427,  428;  Secretarj’-  of  State, 
444;  influence  on  Garfield,  445;  again 
a presidential  candidate,  477-482;  com- 
pared with  Grant,  479,  480;  fitness  for 
presidency,  480;  the  Mulligan  letters, 
481,482;  opposition  of  New  York  Times, 
485;  before  the  Republican  National 
Convention  (1884), 488-490;  nominated, 
490 ; strong  opposition  to,  491-494 ; 
Cleveland  selected  as  opponent,  497- 
499;  the  campaign  and  the  Mugwump 
revolt,  500-507 ; defeat,  507,  508. 

Blair,  Frank  P.,  125,  126,  128. 

Bland  Bill,  the,  381. 

Bland,  Richard  P.,  378. 

Bonner,  .John,  83. 

Booth  Committee,  appointed  to  examine 
Controller  Connolly’s  books,  186-188. 

Booth,  William  186. 

Borden,  John  G.,  476. 

Borie,  A.  E.,  411. 

Bosco,  General,  .53,  54. 

Boston  Post,  the,  362. 

Boucicault,  Mr.  and  Mrs.,  14. 

Boutwell,  George  S.,  269. 

Bowles,  Samuel,  3.58,  359;  see  also  Spring- 
field  Republican,  the. 

Bradley,  Joseph  P.,  344. 

Brady,  Cyrus  Townsend,  374. 

Brady,  Thomas  AV.,  4.56. 

Bragg,  Edward  S.,  498. 

Bristow,  Benjamin  H.,  316,  325,  328,  330, 
497. 

Broadway  Bank,  181. 

Brooks,  James,  270,  274. 

Brooks,  Preston  S.  (“Bully”),  209,  244, 
245. 

Brown,  B.  Gratz,  236,  239,  240. 

Brown,  E.  D.,  144. 

Brown,  John,  funeral  of,  34. 

Brown,  J.  B.,  287. 

Brj'an,  Thomas,  17. 

Brj'ant,  William  Cullen,  132. 

Brj'ce,  James,  353. 

Burchard,  Samuel  D.,  506. 

Burke,  John,  298. 

Burlingame,  Anson,  131,  132. 

Burlingame,  E.  L.,  497. 

Burton,  William  E.,  14,  .547. 

Bush,  C.  G.,  94,  .581. 


Butler,  Benjamin  !■.,  denounced  by  Lon- 
don Times,  88;  Nast’s  first  meeting 
with,  90;  champion  of  Salarj’  Grab  Bill, 
279;  on  independent  journalism,  295; 
on  Silver  Question,  378;  seeking  a new 
party,  406;  elected  Governor  of  Massa- 
chusetts, 462;  Greenback  candidate 
for  President  (1884),  492;  Greenback 
nominee,  .503. 

Butler,  Blanche  (Mrs.  Ames),  224. 

Cable,  George  AV.,  511,  512. 

Caldwell,  Josiah,  481,  482. 

Cameron,  J.  Donald,  424. 

Cameron,  Simon,  293. 

Campaign  asse.ssments,  446,  4.59,  460. 

“Campaign  of  Caricature,”  235. 

Canada,  annexation  of,  210. 

Canal  Ring,  the,  309. 

Carpenter,  Matthew  H.,  293. 

Centennial  Exposition,  308,  322,  328,  329. 

Chambers,  B.  J.,  433. 

Chandler,  AA’illiam  E.,  439. 

Chandler,  Zachariah,  340,  342,  343,  347. 

Chsise,  Salmon  P.,  124,  125,  232. 

Chicago  -\narchists,  522-524. 

Chicago  Inter  Ocean,  the,  321. 

Chicago  News,  the,  118. 

Chicago  Tribune,  the,  383. 

Childs,  George  AA'.,  366,  577. 

Chinese  Exclusion,  148,  386,  412,  413. 

Chipman,  X.  P.,  a friend  of  President 
Grant,  222;  courtesy  to  Xast,  224,  225; 
suggestions  to  Xast  on  public  affairs, 
231-235;  quotes  Grant  on  Xast’s  work, 
252,  2.53;  starts  subscription  for  Xast, 
266;  letter  to  Xast  on  Credit  Mobilier, 
269,  270;  entertains  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Xast, 
272;  estimate  of  Xast,  293. 

Church,  AA’illiam  C.,  407. 

Church,  AA’illiam  F.,  2.39. 

Cincinnati,  cartoon  of  floods  in,  473. 

Cincinnati  Commercial,  the,  344. 

Cincinnati,  Gazette,  the,  127. 

Cipher  exposures,  in  connection  with 
II.ayes-Tilden  contest,  391—404. 

Civil  Service  Reform,  214,  3.58,  442,  460, 
51.5. 

Civil  AA’ar,  the,  78-91,  97-104. 

Claxton,  Kate,  359,  360. 


Cle 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


Cur 


Clemens,  Samuel  L.,  202,  263,  367,  511, 
513. 

Cleveland,  Grover,  candidate  for  and  elec- 
tion as  Governor  of  New  York,  461,  462; 
praised  by  Xast  and  Curtis,  478;  as  a 
presidential  possibility,  497,  498;  nomi- 
nation for  President  (1884),  498;  sup- 
ported by  Harper’s,  499;  in  the  cam- 
paign, 502;  elected  President,  507; 
public  sentiment  as  to  his  election,  514; 
attitude  toward  Civil  Service  Reform, 
515;  resigns  as  Governor  of  New  York, 
515;  letter  to  Xast,  515;  inauguration, 
516 ; public  sentiment  toward,  516, 
517;  beginning  of  administration,  518, 
519;  obstacles  to  reforms,  521 ; pension 
reforms  521,  522;  defeated  for  second 
term,  533. 

Coleman,  Samuel,  17. 

Colfax,  Schuyler,  119,  203,  269,  274,  429. 

College  athletics,  136. 

Collier’s  Weekly,  534. 

Comic  Monthly,  30. 

Commercial  Advertiser,  491. 

Committee  of  Seventy,  to  investigate 
Tweed  Ring,  186. 

Communi.sm,  386. 

Conant,  S.  S.,  472,  476,  509. 

Conkling,  Roscoe,  on  the  Grant-Greeley 
campaign,  248;  relation  to  Credit 
Mobilier,  269;  on  the  Inflation  Bill,  290; 
candidate  for  presidential  nomination 
(1876),  328,  330;  at  Xew  York  Republi- 
can State  Convention  (1877),  368,  369; 
offers  amendment  to  Stanley  Matthews’ 
Silver  Resolution,  380;  assailed  by  Har- 
per’s, 414,  415;  connection  with  Repub- 
lican pre.sidential  nominations  (1880), 
424—129;  qxiarrel  with  Garfield,  444— 
450;  resignation  from  Senate,  446; 
sketch  of  life,  447;  on  Xast,  520. 

Connolly,  Richard  B.,  one  of  the  “Eco- 
nomical Council  ’’  at  Albany,  137;  a 
member  of  “ the  Tweed  Ring,’’  140,  141 ; 
character  of,  143;  share  of  plunder,  144; 
in  the  Viaduct  Job,  145;  appoints 
William  Copeland  to  position  in  Con- 
troller’s office,  167;  attempts  to  bribe 
proprietor  of  Xew  York  Times,  170; 
called  on  to  produce  Controller’s  books. 


177,  178;  investigated  by  Booth  Com- 
mittee, 187,  188;  resignation,  189;  see 
also  Tweed  Ring,  the. 

Cooke,  Jay  and  Company,  287. 

Cooper,  Peter,  142,  158. 

Copeland,  William,  167. 

“Copperheads,”  the,  79. 

Corbin,  Henry  C.,  351. 

Cornell,  A.  B.,  414. 

Covington,  John  I.,  532. 

Cox,  Samuel  S.  (“Sunset”),  307,  323. 

Coyle,  John  F.,  391. 

Credit  Mobilier,  the,  268,  303. 

Crime  of  ’73,  376,  377. 

Crittenden,  Thomas  L.,  407. 

Crittenden,  T.  T.,  307,  308. 

Croly,  .Miss  JaneC.,  22. 

Crook,  General,  372. 

Cummings,  Amos  J.,  536. 

Curtis,  George  William,  as  editor  of  Har- 
per’s Weekly,  122,  123;  on  two  Xast 
cartoons,  179;  disagreement  with  Xast 
as  to  treatment  of  anti-Grant  faction, 
215-220,  221,  222,  224;  on  the  anti- 
Grant  faction,  230;  on  Horace  Greeley, 
237;  attitude  toward  Sumner  after 
Greeley’s  nomination,  243,  244;  on 
Sumner’s  final  attack  on  Grant,  240; 
caricatured  by  Bellew,  254;  letter  to 
Xast  on  Greeley’s  death,  265;  on  Grant’s 
veto  of  Inflation  Bill,  291;  on  inflation 
cartoons,  293;  relations  with  Xast,  297, 
303-305,  321,  331,  352,  354;  on  bayonet 
rule,  304,  305,  339;  effect  of  third  term 
spectre  on,  320;  delegate  to  Republican 
Xational  Convention  (1876),  329,  330; 
urges  Hayes’  endorsement  at  Xew  York 
Republican  Convention  (1877),  368;  at 
the  Saratoga  Republican  State  Conven- 
tion, 414;  resigns  as  Chairman  of  Rich- 
mond Co\mty  Convention,  415;  opposed 
to  third  term  for  Grant,  424;  on  Gar- 
field, 451;  on  .Arthur,  452;  congratula- 
tory^ letter  to  Xast,  476;  on  Cleveland 
and  the  Civ'il  Service,  478;  on  Arthur’s 
administration,  478;  protests  against 
nomination  of  Blaine,  480,  481,  485; 
Chairman  of  Xew  York  delegation  to 
Republican  Xational  Convention  (1884), 
488-490;  attitude  immediately'  after 


III 


Cus 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


Gra 


Blaine’s  nomination,  490-493;  bitterly 
attacked,  494,  496;  presides  at  Inde- 
pendent Republican  Conference,  498; 
fight  against  Blaine’s  election,  498,  499, 
501,  502,  508;  supports  Cleveland  and 
opposes  Hill,  518, 519;  see  also  Harper’s 
Weekly. 

Cushman,  Charlotte,  14. 

Daily  Graphic,  the,  278,  367,  382,  .532. 

Daly,  Augustin,  204. 

Dame  Columbia’s  Public  School,  202. 

Dame  Europa’s  School,  202. 

Dana,  Richard  Henry,  210,  492,  497,  530. 

Davis,  David,  232. 

Davis,  Jefferson,  104,  322,  323,  339. 

Davis,  John  P.,  22. 

Davis,  Theodore  R.,  94. 

Dawes,  Henry  L.,  270,  446. 

Democratic  National  Conventions,  New 
York  (1868),  125,  126;  Baltimore 

(1872),  241,  242;  St.  Louis  (1876),  .331- 
333;  Cincinnati  (1880),  431;  Chicago 
(1884),  498. 

Democratic  Party,  108,  128,  298,  300-302, 
310,  322,  324,  342,  347,  404,  4.37,  462, 
478,497,521;  see  also  Democatic  Na- 
tional Conventions. 

Depew,  Chauncey  M.,  .535,  536. 

De  Rohan,  48,  49,  .50,  121. 

Dickens,  Charles,  39. 

Dickinson,  Don  M.,  .5.32. 

Divided  dollar,  the,  294 

Dix,  John  298. 

Dodge,  William  1'!.,  164. 

“Doesticks,”  see  Thompson,  Mortimer. 

Dorsey,  Stephen  W.,  4.56. 

Draft  riots  in  New  York  City,  92-94. 

Edmunds,  George  F.,  428,  486,  489. 

Edwards  family,  the,  30. 

Edwards,  Miss  Sarah,  .32,  .34. 

Egyptian  Question,  the,  361,  4.58,  4.59. 

Electoral  Commi.s.sian,  the,  343,  344,  340. 

Engle,  George,  524. 

English,  William  IL,  4.31. 

Erie  Ring,  the,  1.57,  274. 

ICvarts,  William  M.,  104,  .364. 

Eytinge,  Sol,  21,  28,  34,  94. 


Fairbanks,  Charles  M.,  263,  510,  540. 

Fenton,  Reuben  E.,  208,  213,  388. 

Field,  David  Dudley,  316,  321. 

Field,  Stephen  J.,  232. 

P'ifth  Avenue  Journal,  the,  2.54. 

Fischer,  Adolph,  524. 

Fish,  Hamilton,  212,  224,  266,  274,  326, 
.331. 

Fish,  J.  D.,  463. 

Fisher,  Warren,  481,  504. 

Fisheries  .\ward,  the,  384. 

Fisk,  James,  Jr.,  136,  157. 

Fiske,  .losiah,  351. 

Folger,  Charles  J.,  444,  461. 

Forrest,  Nathan,  12.5. 

“ Forty  Thieves  Board  of  .\ldermen,”  New 
York,  143. 

Fowler,  Isaac  V.,  156. 

Fraud  circular  of  1868,  .332. 

Fredericks,  Alfred,  16,  17,  28,  510. 

Garfield,  James  A.,  in  Credit  Mobilier 
Affair,  269,  270;  meeting  with  Nast,  272; 
at  Republican  National  Convention 
(1880),  426,  428,  429;  nominated  for 
President,  429;  ignored  by  Nast,  432, 
4.34,  4.35;  Credit  Mobilier  record  recalled, 
434;  relation  to  the  “Morey  letter,’’ 
439;  elected  President,  439;  quarrel 
with  Conkling  and  Platt,  442-4.50; 
assa.ssinated,  450;  death,  4.51;  Curtis’ 
e.stimate  of,  4.51. 

Garibaldi,  Giuseppe,  in  New  York  Citj', 
14;  character,  4.5,  46;  career  in  Italy, 
47-63;  Nast  compared  with,  419;  death 
of,  4.58;  Nast’s  cartoon  of  (1882),  458. 

Garland,  Hamlin,  484. 

Garland,  Ira,  179. 

Garvey,  .\ndrcw  J.,  174,  175,  176. 

Genet,  Harry,  1.54. 

Gettysburg,  battle  of,  91. 

Gillam,  Bernhard,  434,  .502,  .529,  579. 

Gold  Standard,  the,  370-.384,  405,  406. 

Gordon,  John  B.,  12.5,  241. 

Goodnow,  Frank  J.,  .3.5.3. 

Gough,  John  B.,  277. 

Gould,  Jay,  1.36,  1.57,  503. 

Grant,  I'lysscs  S.,  early  in  186.3,  88;  after 
capture  of  Yicksburg,  91 ; accorded  vote 
of  thanks  and  modal  by  Congress.  97; 


Gra 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


Har 


magnanimity  on  Lee’s  surrender,  104; 
on  Xast’s  services  to  the  Union,  106; 
presidential  candidate  and  nominee, 
113;  tribute  to  N'ast  on  election  as  Presi- 
dent in  1868,  129;  assailed  by  New 
Vork  City  papers  (1871),  161;  opposi- 
tion to  second  term  for,  207-209; 
policies  during  first  administration,  208, 
210;  in  Alabama  Claims  Case,  211-213; 
attitude  toward  Civil  Service  Reform, 
214-216;  courtesies  to  Xast,  222-226; 
attacks  on  (1871),  227-229;  final  attack 
on,  by  Sumner,  240,  241;  second  nomi- 
nation for  presidency,  241 ; pictured  by 
enemies  in  second  campaign,  247,  253; 
triumph  over  Greeley,  256;  second 
inauguration,  270-272;  received  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Xast  at  Wliite  House,  272; 
Marshall  Jewell  on,  279,  280;  Xew  York 
Herald  on,  281,  282;  as  “Watchdog  of 
the  Treasury,”  288-291;  Xast’s  only 
picture  against,  294,  295;  recognizes 
Kellogg  government  in  Louisiana,  303; 
Johnson’s  assault  on,  306;  on  Third 
Term  Question,  311-313;  Whisky  Ring 
frauds,  325,  326;  out  of  presidential 
race  (1876),  329;  order  of,  commended 
by  Curtis,  339;  measures  to  preserve 
peace  (1876),  342,  343;  last  annual 
message,  350;  visits  Xast,  350,  351 ; 
trip  around  the  world  and  return,  410, 
416;  wish  for  third  term,  411;  presi- 
dential candidate  for  third  term  (1880), 
424-427;  failure  to  secure  nomination, 
429;  effort  to  reconcile  Garfield  and 
Conkling,  446;  second  visit  to  Xast, 
467,  468;  Blaine  compared  with,  479, 
480;  ruined  by  failure  of  Grant  and 
Ward,  483-485;  retirement  with  full 
pay,  516;  illness  and  death,  517,  518. 

Grant,  U.  S.,  Jr.,  463. 

Grant  and  Ward,  463,  464,  483. 

Greeley,  Horace,  at  Lincoln’s  first  inaugu- 
ration, 74;  attitude  toward  Lincoln,  79, 
80;  faithfulness  of  Xast’s  caricatures, 
116;  attitude  toward  Tweed  Ring  early 
in  1871,  161-163;  opposition  to  Grant’s 
second  nomination,  208;  as  a subject  for 
caricature,  229;  on  Xast,  234,  239;  re- 
fuses to  sign  call  for  regular  Republican 


Convention,  235,  236;  candidate  for 
President,  236-239,  242;  gives  up  editor- 
ship of  Xew  York  Tribune,  246;  fight 
for  the  presidency,  246-2.56;  resumes 
editorship  after  defeat  by  Grant,  256, 
2.58;  death,  258-260,  264,  .536-5.38; 
influence  of  death  on  Xast,  264,  265, 
3.56;  see  alto  Xew  York  Tribune. 

Greenback  Party,  the,  292,  422,  423,  433, 
492,  .503. 

Greenback  Rag  Baby,  the,  313,  314. 

Greer,  H.  W.,  .509. 

Grimm,  Baron  de,  529. 

Grosvenor,  W.  M.,  391. 

“Grundy,  Mrs.,”  97. 

Guiteau,  Charles  J.,  450. 

Gunn,  Thomas  Butler,  30,  388. 

Hall,  \.  Oakey,  elected  Mayor  of  Xew 
York,  1.30;  one  of  the  “Economical 
Council”  at  Albany,  137;  a member  of 
the  Tweed  Ring,  140,  141;  character 
of,  14.3;  share  of  plunder,  144;  in  the 
Viaduct  Job,  145;  on  tlie  Ring’s  pros- 
pects early  in  1871,  164;  connection 
with  Orangemen’s  parade  riot,  171-173; 
called  on  to  produce  Controller’s  books, 
177,  178;  results  of  his  trial,  267,  268; 
on  fraud  circular  of  1868,  332;  to  Eng- 
land, 353;  returned  to  America  (1891), 
3.53;  last  caricature  of  by  X'ast,  .354; 
death,  354;  see  also  Tweed  Ring,  the. 

Halstead,  Murat,  344,  3.58,  3.59,  380,  .381, 
.388. 

Hamilton,  Gail,  148,  149,  224. 

Hampton,  Wade,  125,  4.36. 

Hancock,  Winfield  S.,  a Democratic  presi- 
dential candidate,  12.5,  333;  nominated 
(1880),  4.31;  effect  on  Xast,  4.32;  on  one 
of  Xast’s  cartoons,  436;  an  unskilled 
politician,  438,  4.39;  defeated,  439. 

Haney,  J.  G.,  .30,  31. 

“Hans  Brinker”  (by  Mrs.  Dodge),  118. 

Hardeman,  General,  241. 

Harlan,  John  M.,  .330. 

Harper  Brothers  urge  Xast  to  take  up 
work  again  for  the  Weekly,  120;  bids  for 
scliool-books  rejected  by  Tweed’s  orders, 
1.58,  1.59;  building  of,  threatened  in 
Orangemen’s  parade  riot,  172;  amount 


V 


Har 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


liar 


paid  Xast  for  Tweed  Ring  cartoons,  206; 
two  of,  guests  of  Nast  to  meet  Grant, 
351. 

Harper,  Fletcher,  Jr.,  222. 

Harper,  Fletcher,  Sr.,  causes  Xast  to 
identify  himself  with  Harper’s  Weekly, 
82;  action  regarding  Xast’s  “Compro- 
mise Cartoon,”  98;  lays  down  policy  for 
Harper’s  Weekly,  122,  123;  on  con- 
tinuing anti-Tweed  Ring  fight,  1.59; 
on  Xast  vs.  Curtis,  222;  on  attitude 
toward  the  Irish  vote,  249,  250;  on  one 
of  Xast’s  anti-Greeley  cartoons,  260; 
terms  given  Xast,  278;  reconciles  Xast 
and  Curtis,  305,  306;  death,  352;  effect 
on  Xast,  352,  356;  methods  compared 
with  those  of  Curtis,  485,  486. 

Harper,  J.  Henrj%  urges  Xast’s  return  to 
the  Weekly,  470;  favors  Arthur’s  nomi- 
nation, 486;  interviews  Arthur  with 
Xast,  486,  487;  active  in  opposing 
Blaine’s  election,  497,  498;  with  Xast 
calls  on  Cleveland,  515;  appreciation 
of  Xast,  578. 

Harper,  John  W.,  correspondence  with 
Xast  as  to  latter’s  resignation,  465,  466; 
attitude  on  Blaine’s  nomination,  492, 
493. 

Harper,  Joseph  W.,  Jr.  (“Joe  Brook- 
lyn ”),  suggests  acknowledgment  by 
Xast  of  compliment  from  Curtis,  297; 
successor  to  Fletcher  Harper,  Sr.,  352; 
urges  Xast  to  return  to  the  Weekly,  471, 
473;  attitude  on  Blaine’s  nomination, 
491-493. 

Harper’s  Weekly,  first  number  of,  24; 
Xast’s  first  appearance  in,  29;  be- 
ginning of  Xast’s  connection  with, 
82;  first  appearance  of  Nast’s  semi- 
allegorical  cartoons,  84;  on  the  Union 
commanders  (1863),  88;  art  staff,  94; 
Xast’s  semi-allegorical  cartoons  con- 
tinued, 96;  Xast’s  cartoons  in,  during 
the  War’s  last  days,  97-104;  pub- 
lishes portrait  and  sketch  of  Nast’s 
life  and  work  (1867),  116;  inducements 
offered  X’^ast,  120;  George  William 
Curtis  editor,  122,  123;  general  policy 
of,  122,  123;  in  beginning  of  presi- 
dential campaign  of  1868,  124;  cartoon 


battle  against  Seymour  and  Blair,  126- 
129;  official  protest  against,  150,  152; 
denounced  by  the  “controlled”  press, 
153,  161;  joined  by  the  Times  in  the 
anti-Tweed  Ring  fight,  152;  wages 
fierce  cartoon  battle,  153-201 ; publishes 
portrait  and  biographical  sketch  of 
Louis  John  Jennings,  editor.  New  York 
Times,  183;  praise  of  Nast’s  work,  183, 
184;  attacks  sectarianism  in  the  public 
schools,  190;  increase  in  circulation  due 
to  Nast’s  cartoons,  204;  policy  regarding 
anti-Grant  faction,  214-220,  230,  243, 
244;  assails  Greeley,  214,  216,  220,  227, 
232,  246-260;  on  Sumner’s  attack  on 
Grant,  240,  241 ; partial  absence  of  X*ast, 
268,  274;  supports  Grant’s  Resumption 
Policy,  289;  opposes  Inflation,  292,  293; 
split  on  Grant’s  Louisiana  Policy,  303- 
305;  lack  of  harmony  as  to  Third  Term 
Question,  320,  321;  supports  Hayes  for 
presidency  against  Tilden,  331,  334, 335, 
338-348;  connection  with  Tweed’s  cap- 
ture, 336,  337 ; divided  as  to  Hayes’ 
Southern  policy,  352, 354,  355,  375,  404; 
four  Months  without  Nast,361-366;  Con- 
kling’s  allusion  to,  369;  Nast’s  return, 
369,  370;  advocates  Gold  Standard, 
376, 377 ; on  the  Tilden  cipher  exposures, 
396;  independence  as  a journal  asserted, 
415;  attitude  toward  third  term  for 
Grant,  424,  425;  caricatures  Blaine  on 
eve  of  Republican  National  Convention 
of  1880,  425;  in  Garfield-Hancock  cam- 
paign, 433-439;  much  changed  in  ten 
years  (1883),  464,  465;  Nast’s  changed 
relations  with,  465,  466,  470-472;  re- 
appearance of  Nast  (1884),  473-476; 
renewed  fight  against  Blaine,  477,  478, 
480,  481;  attitude  toward  Cleveland, 
477,  478;  not  yet  committed  to  “bolt- 
ing” Blaine’s  nomination,  485,  486; 
revolt  against  Blaine  and  support  of 
Cleveland  for  presidency,  491-508; 
continuation  of  support  after  inaugura- 
tion, 518,  519;  opposed  to  Governor 
Hill  of  New  York,  519;  final  severance 
of  X’^ast  from,  526-528;  tribute  to  Nast, 
575. 

Harrison,  Benjamin,  540. 


VI 


JIa!« 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


liUb 


Hassard,  .1.  R.  G.,  391. 

Havemeyer,  H.,  394. 

Havemeyer,  William  F.,  164,  267,  301. 

Hawkins,  Rush  C.,  134. 

Hay,  John,  556,  557. 

Hayes,  Rutherford  B.,  candidate  for 
Republican  presidential  nomination 
(1876),  329,  330;  nominated,  330;  en- 
dorsed by  Harper’s  Weekly,  331; 
elected  President,  340,  346;  charges 
against,  by  Democrats,  347;  Southern 
policy,  352,  354,  355;  endorsement  of, 
urged  by  Curtis  at  New  York  Republi- 
can Convention,  368;  difficulties  of 
administration,  384;  vetoes  Chinese 
Exclusion  Act,  413. 

Heenan,  John  C.,  25,  26,  27,  36,  40,  41,  44. 

Heenan-Sayers  prize  fight,  36-44. 

Hendricks,  Thomas  A.,  333,  334,  498. 

Henrj',  Guy  V.  (“Fighting  Guy”),  325, 
372-374, 409. 

Hewitt,  Abram  S.,  344,  478. 

Higginson,  T.  W.,  497. 

Hill,  Benjamin  H.,  323. 

Hill,  David  B.,  515,  519. 

Hoar,  George  F.,  304,  329,  428. 

Hoar,  Samuel,  497. 

Hoffman,  John  T.,  first  caricatured  by 
Xast,  111;  Democratic  candidate  for 
Governor  of  New  York,  124;  elected 
Governor  of  New  York,  130,  131;  one  of 
the  “ Economical  Council  ” at  Albany, 
137;  a tool  of  the  “Tweed  Ring,”  140, 
142;  Tammany  Hall  candidate  for 
President,  164;  action  concerning 
Orangemen’s  parade  (1871),  171,  172; 
at  Democratic  National  Convention 
(1872),  241. 

Holland,  George,  14. 

Holt,Henrj’’,  497. 

Homer,  Winslow,  94. 

Howard,  C.,  188. 

Hubbell,  Jay,  446,  459. 

Hutchins,  Waldo,  538. 

Illustrated  American,  535. 

Independents,  the,  477,  478, 493,  497,  498. 

Indians,  the,  293,  294. 

Inflation,  289-293. 

Inflation  Baby,  the,  289. 


Ingersoll,  J.  H.,  and  Company,  174,  175, 
176. 

Ingersoll,  Robert  G.,  329,  330,  382,  456, 
480. 

International  races  (1869),  136. 

Inter-Ocean,  comment  on  Nast’s  silence, 
362. 

Ireland,  John,  543. 

Irons,  Martin,  .522. 

Ir\’ing,  Henry',  54.5-557,  577. 

Jackson,  Andrew,  3.58. 

James,  Thomas  L.,  444,  4.56. 

Jarvis,  John  Jackson,  in  “The  Art  Idea,” 
548. 

Jennings,  Louis  John,  146,  1.53,  154,  167, 
183;  see  also  New  York  Times. 

Jewell,  Marshall,  278,  279-281,  328. 

Jewett,  W.  S.  L.,  94. 

“ Joe  Brooklyn,”  see  Harper,  Joseph  W.,  Jr. 

Johnson,  Alvin  J.,  .537. 

Johnson,  ,\ndrew,  original  attitude  toward 
Southern  States,  107;  reconstruction 
policy,  107 ; Democratic  change  of  heart 
toward,  108;  cartooned  by  Nast,  108, 
111-116;  accusations  and  impeachment 
proceedings  against,  112;  the  apostasy 
of,  133;  Senator,  306;  death,  307;  ad- 
ministration of,  4.54. 

Jones,  George,  146,  1.53,  170,  485,  543;  see 
also  New  York  Times. 

Jones,  Mr.,  American  Vice-Consul  at 
Guayaquil,  572. 

Kaufmann,  Theodore,  16. 

Kearney,  Dennis,  412. 

Keese,  William  L.,  547. 

Kellogg,  William  Pitt,  302. 

Kelly,  “ Honest  John,”  .3.33,  414,  430,  498. 

Keppler,  of,  3.56,  502,  529. 

Kernan,  Francis,  3.3.3. 

Kerr,  Michael  C.,  306. 

Keyser,  J.  H.,  and  Company,  174,  175. 

Knott,  Proctor,  347. 

Kohlsaat,  II.  H.,  5.35,  545,  552. 

Kossuth,  Louis,  14. 

Ku-Klux  outrages.  111,  114. 

Labor  Question  (1877),  412. 

Labor  troubles  in  Chicago  (1886),  522-524; 
in  New  York,  524. 


VII 


Lam 


IXDEX  TO  TEXT 


Nant 


Lamar,  L.  Q.  C.,  324,  381,  382. 

Lamb,  Henry  IL,  421. 

Landau  (Alsace),  birthplace  of  Th. 
Xa.st,  .5-8. 

Lapham,  E.  C.,  447. 

Lt>e,  Fitz-Hufjli,  241. 

Lee,  Robert  E.,  .54.5,  546,  .5.59. 

Leslie,  Frank,  17,  18,  81,  ,82,  227. 

Leslie’s  Weekly,  21-24,  28,  43,  234,  247, 
248,  .367. 

Liberal  Republican  Convention  (1872), 
23.5. 

Lincoln,  .\braham,  on  Xa.st’s  services  to 
the  Union,  69;  reception  in  .Xew  York 
en  route  to  inauguration,  70,  71 ; journey 
to  W.ashington,  71-73;  inauguration, 
74-76;  issues  first  call  for  volunteers,  77, 
78;  in  the  early  days  of  the  War,  7<8-.80; 
never  caricatured  by  Xast,  81;  issues 
Emancipation  Proclamation,  88;  atti- 
tude toward  seceded  states,  102;  entry 
into  Richmond,  104;  as.sassination,  104; 
attitude  of  certain  papers  toward,  104; 
on  Grant,  228;  a friend  of  Xast,  577. 

Lind,  .fenny,  14. 

Little  Rock  and  Fort  Smith  Railroad, 
480. 

Locke,  David  R.,  114,  202,  279,  281. 

Logan,  John  A.,208, 231,290, 293, 424,490. 

Lfuidon  Xews,  51,  61,  67. 

London  Pall  Mall  Budget,  502. 

London  Punch,  13.5. 

London  Times,  the,  36,  88. 

Lost  Head,  the,  first  use  of  idea  in  cartoon, 
448,  449. 

Louisiana  election  contests,  302,  303,  340, 
389,  .390. 

Lowell,  James  Russell,  362,  .363. 

Macready  and  Forrest  riot,  the,  12. 

•Marble,  .Manton,  caricatured  by  Xast  in 
presidential  campaign  (1868),  124; 

coun.sels  dismissal  of  Blair,  128;  on 
Tweed  and  the  Tweed  Ring,  145,  146; 
.supports  Horace  Greelej'  for  President, 
246 ; on  congressional  appropriation  for 
Centennial  Exposition,  .324;  connection 
with  Democratic  Xational  platform  of 
1876,  .3.3.3;  charges  fraud  in  Louisiana 
elections,  389,  .390,  391 ; connection  with 


Tilden  cipher  exposures,  .392,  394,  395, 
.396,  399;  .see  aho  Xew  York  World. 

Marcy,  M'illiam  L.,  .3.58. 

Maretzek,  Max,  109-111. 

Marine  Bank,  Xew  York  City,  48.3. 

Matthews,  Stanley,  .378,  379-380. 

.Mazzini,  Italian  patriot,  46. 

McClellan,  George  B.,  98-100. 

.McClernand,  .John  A.,  3.33. 

McCrary,  George  5V.,  347. 

McEnery,  John,  .302. 

McVickar,  Harry,  529,  .5.30. 

Jlead,  Leon,  .540. 

Medici,  Colonel,  47,  48,  49. 

Miller,  G.  S.,  17.5,  176. 

.Miller,  Samuel  F.,  2.32. 

Miller,  Warner,  447. 

Mirror,  the,  127. 

Mitchell,  John  A.,  .549,  .581. 

Mitchell,  R.  W.,  349. 

Mooney,  William,  1.56. 

Morales,  F.,  572. 

“ .Morey  Letter,”  the,  4.39. 

Morgan,  .Matt,  227,  247,  248,  2.53. 

Morrissey-Heenan  prize  fight,  2.5-27. 

Morrissey,  John,  2.5,  26,  27,  74,  124,  154. 

Morton,  Levi  P.,  444. 

Morton,  ( )liver  P.  290,  293,  328,  330. 

Most,  Herr,  .524. 

Mount  Xast,  .5.31. 

Mugwumps,  the,  498,  .500,  502. 

Mulligan,  James,  481,  .504. 

Mulligan  letters,  the,  481,  504. 

Xapoleon  III,  147,  148. 

Xasby,  Petroleum  V.,  now  de  plume;  see 
Locke,  David  R. 

Xast  -Mmanac,  the,  202. 

Xast  Sr.  (father  of  Th.  Xast),  5,  7, 12-15, 
28. 

.Xast,  Mrs.  122,  339,  340. 

Xast,  Th. — birth,  5;  family  and  early  sur- 
roundings, .5-7 ; first  religious  and 
artistic  impressions,  6,  7 ; journey  to 
America,  7,  8;  location  in  Xew  York 
City,  9;  boyhood  experiences,  9-15; 
early  efforts  in  art,  10,  12,  14,  15;  at 
school,  10,  11,  14,  15;  arrival  of  father, 
12-14;  favorite  actors,  14;  continua- 
tion of  art  studies,  16,  17;  admitted  to 


vni 


Nast 


IXDEX  TO  TEXT 


Na«t 


Academy  of  Design,  16;  first  interview 
with  Frank  Leslie,  17,  18;  becomes 
artist  on  Leslie’s  Weekly,  18-20;  ex- 
periences, 21-24;  fight  against  “swill 
milk”  evil,  24;  report  of  Morrissey- 
Heenan  prize  fight,  24;  progress  in  art, 
27-29;  death  of  father,  28;  leaves 
Leslie’s,  28;  first  cartoon  in  Harper’s 
Weekly,  29;  makes  police  sketches,  29, 
30;  in  love,  30,  32;  associates  and  life, 
30-33;  on  staff  of  New  York  Illustrated 
News,  34;  assigned  to  John  Brown’s 
funeral,  34;  worldly  prospects,  34; 
special  artist  for  Ileenan-Sayers  prize 
fight,  34^4;  on  the  way  to  Garibaldi, 
47^9;  with  Garibaldi,  50-63;  sketches 
Garibaldi,  62;  farewell  to  army  life,  64; 
arrest  and  release,  64;  through  Italy, 
Switzerland  and  Germany,  to  Landau, 
his  birthplace,  66;  visit  at  Landau,  66; 
to  London,  thence  to  New  York,  67;  ] 
failure  of  the  News,  67;  accepts  posi- 
tion in  reorganized  companj',  67,  68; 
marriage,  68;  Lincoln’s  praise  of,  69; 
first  meeting  with  Lincoln,  70,  71;  ex- 
periences en  route  to,  and  at,  Lincoln’s 
inauguration,  71-76;  attitude  toward 
Lincoln,  81;  journalistic  work,  81,  82; 
forms  connection  with  Harper’s  Weekly, 
82;  assigned  to  regular  staff  work,  82; 
ideas  and  methods  of  work,  82,  83; 
birth  of  daughter,  84;  home  life,  84; 
beginning  of  famous  semi-allegorical 
cartoons,  84—88;  first  caricature  car- 
toon, 88;  trips  to  the  front,  89-91;  in 
the  Draft  Riots  in  New  York  City,  92, 
93;  work  of,  discussed,  94-96;  first 
published  drawing  of  Grant,  97;  illus- 
trations during  the  War’s  last  days, 
97-104;  services  to  Union  cause,  KKl; 
miscellaneous  illustrations,  1865-’67, 
106-109;  the  “Andy”  Johnson  car- 
toons, 108,  111-116;  “opera  ball”  ex- 
hibit of  caricatures,  109-1 1 1 ; beginning 
of  New  York  City  “corruption”  car- 
toons, 112,114;  meeting  with  “Petro- 
leum V.  Nasby,”  1 14;  easy  identification 
of  caricatures,  116;  failure  of  political 
cartoon  exhibition,  118;  caricatures  in 
the  Chicago  News,  118;  at  Chicago  Con- 


vention of  1868 — the  “Match  Him”  in- 
cident, 119,  120;  home  life,  120-122;  in- 
dividuality in  work,  122,  123;  cartoons 
in  presidential  campaign  of  1868,  124, 
126-128;  praise  received  at  close  of  cam- 
paign, 129;  publishes  a New  York  City 
“ Ring”  cartoon,  130;  Anson  Burlingame 
and  \Mlliam  Cullen  Bryant  episodes, 
131,  132;  at  Grant’s  inauguration,  133; 
“ Union  League”  testimonial,  133,  134; 
chief  cartoons  of  1869,  135-138;  resorts 
to  pencil  in  place  of  brush,  135,  136;  re- 
tirement from  savings  bank  directorate, 
138;  advised  by  Parton  not  to  fight 
Tweed  Ring,  142;  continues  the  fight, 
145;  the  New  York  Times  a prospective 
ally,  146;  first  use  of  donkey  to  typify 
Democratic  sentiment,  147 ; miscella- 
neous cartoons,  147-149;  Tweed  Ring 
cartoons  of  1870,  149,  153,  154;  attitude 
toward  sectarianism,  150-152;  joined  by 
New  York  Times  in  anti-Tweed  Ring 
fight,  152-154;  original  use  by,  of  Tiger 
emblem,  154,  156;  anti-Tweed  Ring  car- 
toons of  1871,  158,  159, 160, 164;  abused 
by  most  of  New  York  City  papers,  161; 
additional  caricatures  of  the  Ring,  178, 
179,  184-201;  threats  and  inducements 
unavailing,  179-182;  encomiums  from 
Harper’s  Weekly,  183,  184;  a conspic- 
uous national  figure,  192;  work  of  1871 
besides  Tweed  Ring  fight,  202 ; fame  and 
place  gained  by  overthrow  of  Tweed 
Ring,  203-205;  family  life,  206,  207; 
disagreement  with  Curtis  as  to  treat- 
ment of  anti-Grant  faction,  214-220; 
diarj^  of  visit  to  Washington  (February, 
1872) — meeting  Grant,  Blaine,  Fish, 
Trumbull,  and  others,  221-226;  return 
home,  226;  charge  based  on  Greeley 
cartoons,  229;  early  cartoons  in  Grant- 
Greeley  contest,  231,  232;  suggestions 
from  Chipman,  232-235;  cartoons 
criticised  by  press,  235;  early  attacks 
on  Liberal  Republicans,  235,  236;  the 
“Gratz  Brown  tag,”  239,  240;  differs 
from  Curtis  as  to  treatment  of  Sumner, 
243,  244 ; the  “ Campaign  of  Caricature  ” 
— Nast’s  fight  for  Grant,  246-261;  ad- 
miration of  Republican  Party  for,  262, 


IX 


Na)»t 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


263 ; general  appreciation  of,  262-264 ; 
prostration  from  overwork,  264;  aids 
Bellew,  265;  letters  from  George  William 
Curtis  and  Parton,  265,  266;  financial  af- 
fairs, 266;  decision  to  go  abroad  (March, 
1873),  266;  illustrations  for  Harper  edi- 
tion of  “Pickwick  Papers,”  267,  268; 
comments  made  on  decrease  of  his  work 
in  Harper’s  Weekly,  268;  letter  from 
Cliipman  on  the  Credit  Mobilier,  260, 
270;  at  Grant’s  second  inauguration, 
272;  return,  272;  cartoons  on  the  Credit 
Mobilier,  272-274;  sails  for  Europe, 
274;  declines  official  appointment,  274; 
farewell  cartoons,  274;  engagement  for 
lecture  tour,  275-277 ; visit  in  London, 
275;  experience  with  interviewers,  277; 
terms  arranged  with  Harper’s  Weekly, 
278;  resumes  work,  278;  the“Ca'sar” 
cartoons,  278,  281 ; letter  from  Marshall 
Jewell,  279-281;  lecture  tour,  283-285; 
cartoons  on  Tweed’s  conviction,  in 
defence  of  Grant,  on  financial  condi- 
tions in  U.  S.,  286-293;  Army  and  Navy 
cartoons  begun,  293;  only  cartoon 
against  Grant,  294,  295;  abroad  with 
family,  295 ; Ctesarism  again  car- 
tooned, 295-297;  relations  with  Curtis, 
297 ; another  army  cartoon,  297,  298  ; 
first  cartoon  of  Republican  Elephant, 
300;  last  cartoons  of  1874,  300,  301; 
cartoon  on  “Resumption  Act”  (1875), 
302;  against  Curtis,  supports  Grant’s 
Louisiana  policy,  303-305;  more  bayo- 
net pictures,  305;  cartoons  of  Andrew 
Johnson,  Samuel  S.  Cox,  Blaine,  of 
Civil  Service  Reform,  Ca'sarism,  the 
Republican  Elephant,  Civil  Rights 
Bill,  Peace  in  the  South,  306-308;  atti- 
tude toward  Governor  Tilden,  310;  on 
Sheridan’s  marriage,  311;  cartoon  of 
Grant’s  third  term  letter,  313;  the 
Greenback  “Rag-Baby”  cartoon,  313, 
314;  use  of  “serial”  pictures,  314,315; 
Republican  Elephant  again,  315,316; 
again  assails  Tweed  Ring,  316;  prophecy 
about  Tweed  verified,  318;  Christmas 
pictures,  1876,  319;  Christmas  at  home, 
319,320;  estrangement  from  Curtis, 
320,  321 ; cartoons  on  David  Dudley 


Nast 

Field  and  on  Tweed  plunder,  321;  pict- 
ures political  harmony,  amnesty,  army 
retrenchment,  Belknap,  322-326;  car- 
toons of  Tiger  and  Rag-Baby  (1876), 
328;  supports  Hayes  and  Wheeler  tick- 
et, 330,  331,  335;  again  in  harmony 
with  Curtis,  331 ; cartoons  of  Tilden  and 
Hendricks,  334;  at  Centennial  Exposi- 
tion, 334,  335;  “ Tweed-le-dee  and 

Tilden-dum,”  cartoon  and  Tweed’s 
capture,  335-337 ; ante-election  car- 
toons (1876),  338,  342;  first  use  of 
dollar-mark  in  cartoon  symbolism,  339, 
340;  cartoons  situation  on  Hayes’  elec- 
tion, 343,  344;  friendship  for  Heniy 
AVatterson,  344,  346;  cartoons  result  of 
Electoral  Commission  contest,  348; 
refusal  of  testimonial  purse  from  Re- 
publican National  Committee,  349, 
cartoons  Grant’s  last  Annual  Message, 
350;  visit  from  General  Grant  and 
family,  350,  351 ; effect  on,  of  Fletcher 
Harper’s  death,  352;  attitude  toward 
Hayes’  administration,  352,  354,  355; 
relations  with  Curtis  after  Fletcher 
Harper’s  death,  352,  353;  final  cartoons 
of  A.  Oakey  Hall,  353,  354;  furnishes 
evidence  in  libel  case  of  Hall  vs.  Brj’ce, 
353;  on  the  threshold  of  a new  era — 
its  meaning,  355-357;  miscellaneous 
work — social  and  Army  affairs,  Turko- 
Russian  War,  Civil  Service,  358,  360, 
361 ; cartoon  of  Kate  Claxton,  359,  360; 
unconscious  prophecy  shown,  361;  in- 
terruption of  four  months — causes  con- 
sidered, 361-366;  life  in  1877,  366; 
offers  of  positions  and  lecture  engage- 
ments, 367,  368;  return  to  Harper’s — 
the  explanation,  368,  369,  370;  cartoons 
Hayes’  Southern  Policy,  370;  in  favor 
of  gold  standard,  370;  idea  for  paper  of 
his  own,  370,  418;  cartoons  of  1877, 
370-372;  testimonial  from  Army  and 
Navy  proposed,  372-374;  cartoons  on 
Turko-Russian  A\'ar  (1878),  375;  con- 
tinues criticism  of  President’s  Southern 
Policy,  375,  376;  meeting  with  Stanley 
Matthews,  378;  caricature  of,  379,380; 
of  Henry  Watterson  and  Murat  Hal- 
stead, 380,381;  comment  on  his  fight 


X 


TVaxl 


IXDEX  TO  TEXT 


NaHt 


for  sound  money,  382-384;  revival  of 
the  Kag-Bal)y,  383,  384;  declines  to 
lecture,  385,  386;  on  Chinese  exclusion, 
386;  beginning  of  antagonism  to  Blaine, 
386;  miscellaneous  cartoons,  386,  387; 
visit  to  Baris  Exposition,  387;  travels 
through  Scotland,  Ireland  and  England, 
388;  cartoons  on  Ilayes-Tilden  election 
investigations,  389,  396;  election  car- 
toons, fall  of  1878,  404;  reproductions 
of  his  work  in  London  papera,  405;  car- 
toons early  in  1879 — on  the  “Bloody 
Shirt,” General  Butler,  Secretary  Schurz, 
406;  another  Army  cartoon,  406;  re- 
ceives Army  and  Navy  testimonial  vase, 
407-409;  letter  from  John  Russell  Young 
on  third  term  for  Grant,  411;  cartoons  in 
favor  of  Chinese  and  Indians,  412;  at- 
tacks Blaine  on  Chinese  Question,  412, 
413;  cartoons  of  fall  of  1879,  413-416; 
birth  of  son  (Cyril),  418;  personal  affairs, 
417-420;  compared  with  Garibaldi,  419; 
Blaine’s  protest  against  cartoon  on 
political  situation  in  Maine,  420,  421; 
cartoons  on  Money  Question  and  on 
Savings  Bank  Reform,  421-423;  adher- 
ence to  Grant  for  third  term,  424;  op- 
position to  Blaine,  424,  425;  assails 
Tilden’s  record,  430,  433;  dilemma  as 
to  Garfield  and  Hancock,  431,432;  cor- 
respondence with  Grant,  432,  433;  car- 
toon on  the  Greenback  nominees,  433; 
agreement  with  Harpers  as  to  cam- 
paign cartoons,  433,  434;  Garfield  to  be 
exempt,  433,  434;  public  criticism  of  his 
cartoons  and  of  Harper’s  Weekly,  434, 
435;  General  Hancock  cartoon,  436; 
caricatures  Democratic  Cause,  436-440; 
effect  on  work  of  new  method  of  repro- 
ducing pictures,  441;  reproduction  of 
Christmas  drawings  in  London  papers, 
441;  cartoons  Garfield-Conkling  con- 
troversy, 447-450;  cartoons  on  assassi- 
nation and  death  of  Garfield,  450,  451 ; 
cartoon  on  Arthur’s  accession  to  presi- 
dency, 453;  work  in  1882,  454;  family 
intimacy  with  the  Harpers,  454,  455; 
the  new  order  of  journalism,  455;  car- 
toon in  Star  Route  cases,  456,  457; 
cartoon  (1882)  on  Garibaldi,  458;  on 


situation  in  Egj-pt,  459;  cartoons  of 
Cleveland,  461,  4(52;  investments  with 
Grant  and  Ward,  463,  464;  resignation 
from  Harper’s,  464-466;  visit  to  Eng- 
land, 466,  467 ; return  home,  467 ; 
second  visit  from  Grant  and  family, 
467,  468;  travels,  468,  469;  illness  and 
recovery,  469;  reappearance  in  Har- 
per’s Weekly  (1884),  469-476;  car- 
toons— Cincinnati  floods  and  political 
situation,  473, 474;  renewed  fight  against 
Blaine,  477-479;  applauds  Grover 
Cleveland  and  Theodore  Roosevelt,  477 ; 
affected  by  failure  of  Grant  and  Ward, 
483,  484;  urges  President  Arthur  to 
seek  renomination,  485;  discusses  with 
eolleagues  policy  of  Harper’s  Weekly  in 
campaign  of  1884,  492,  493;  part  taken 
by,  in  Cleveland-Blaine  campaign,  494- 
508;  bitterly  denounced,  494-496,  501, 
502;  at  Independent  Republican  Con- 
ference, 497,  498;  in  harmony  with 
Curtis,  499;  meeting  with  Jay  Gould, 
503;  cartoons  Butler  and  St.  John,  503, 
504;  demonstration  at  Morristown  over 
Cleveland’s  election,  507;  part  played 
in  Cleveland’s  election,  508;  praise 
received,  509,  510;  second  lecture  tour, 
511,  513;  visit  of  Mark  Twain  and 
George  W.  Cable,  511-513;  supports 
Cleveland  as  President,  514,  515,  518, 
519;  calls  on  Cleveland,  515;  effect  of 
Grant’s  death  on,  517;  opposes  Hill  as 
Governor  of  New  York,  519;  Christmas 
pictures  of  1885,519;  visit  to  New  Or- 
leans Exposition,  519;  later  cartoons  of 
Tweed,  520;  cartoons  on  secret  .sessions 
of  Senate,  521;  supports  Cleveland’s 
pension  policy,  521,  522;  on  labor  trou- 
bles in  1886,  524;  final  pictures  in  1886, 
524,525;  end  of  connection  with  Har- 
per’s, 526-528;  no  drawings  made  in 
1887,  .528;  still  planning  for  paper  of  his 
own,  .528;  mine  investment,  529,  .5.30; 
journeys  in  1887,  .529-.531;  illness  in 
Denver,  .530;  Western  lecture  tour,  .530; 
mountain  in  Colorado  named  for,  .531; 
renews  acquaintance  with  Col.  Chipman, 
531;  political  notes,  532,  .5.33;  summarj' 
of  work  for  1887,  533;  trip  to  England 


XI 


Nast 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


•*ow 


and  return,  533;  miscellaneous  work, 
534;  financial  losses,  535;  a judge  in 
the  Inter-Ocean  prize  contest  (1891), 
535;  cartoon  of  Matthew  S.  Quay,  535; 
cartoons  Chauncey  M.  Depew,  535,  530; 
“literary  funerals,”  537,  538;  connec- 
tion with  New  York  Gazette  (after- 
wards Nast’s  Weekly),  538-540;  finan- 
cial losses  and  reverses,  541-544;  trip  to 
Europe  in  1894,  545;  pictures  painted, 
545-547 ; appreciations  of  his  work,  548, 
549;  life  in  later  days,  550;  method  of 
writing  letters,  550-557 ; notable  letters 
received,  551-553;  last  cartoon  in  Les- 
lie’s (1901),  555;  offered  a consulsliip, 
556,557;  acceptance,  558;  last  days  be- 
fore departure,  558-560;  departure,  560; 
letters  home  from  Guayaquil,  561-572; 
illness,  572;  death  and  funeral,  573;  let- 
ters to  family,  574,  575;  editorial  on,  by 
Henry  Watterson,  575;  summary  of  life 
and  work,  576-583;  his  friends,  577; 
notable  appreciations  of,  578,  579,  581; 
realization  of  his  own  power,  582. 

Nast,  Th.,  .Jr.,  511,  .529. 

Nast’s  Weekly,  540 

Nation,  the,  203. 

National  Civil  Service  Reform  League,  the, 
515. 

New  York  City,  old  fire  comjjanies,  11; 
conditions  in  Nast’s  boyhood,  12,  14, 
16;  in  1861,  69,  70;  during  the  Draft 
Riots,  92-94;  1870-1871,  under  the 
Tweed  Ring,  140-146,  157,  1.58,  161; 
Orangemen’s  parade  riot,  171-173;  see 
also  Tammany,  and  Tweed  Ring,  the. 

New  York  City  Newspapers — 
Commercial  .\dvertiser,  247,  491 ; Even- 
ing Post,  161,  203,  208,  247,491;  Ga- 
zette (afterwards  Nast’s  A\’eekly),  538- 
540;  Herald,  161,  208,  247,  278,491;  see 
abo  Bennett,  James  Gordon,  Jr.;  Illus- 
trated News,  33,  34,  37,  41,  43,  44,  54, 
67,71,73,  81;  Leader,  177;  Star,  177; 
Sun,  160,  161,208,246;  Times,  146,  1.57, 
166-171,  173,  247,  251,  320,  48.5;  see 
also  Jones,  George,  and  Jennings,  Louis 
John;  Tribune,  162,  163,  177,  208,  246, 
2.51,  296,  391-396,  399,  492;  see  also 
Greeley,  Horace,  and  Reid,  Whitelaw; 


World,  145,  146,  246;  see  also  Marble, 
Manton. 

New  York  Printing  Company,  1.58,  175. 
Nicholls,  Francis  T.,  352. 

Noyes,  Edward  F.,  330. 

O’Brien,  Fitz-James,  22. 

O’Brien,  James,  1.54,  166-168. 

“Opera  Ball”  caricatures,  109-111. 
Orangemen’s  parade  riot  (1871),  171-173. 
O’Rourke,  idatthew  J.,  167,  176,  177. 

Pacific  Railroad,  the,  1.36,  269. 

Packard,  Stephen  B.,  352. 

Page,  Tliomas  Nelson,  347. 

Palmerston,  Lord,  39. 

Paris  Exposition,  .387. 

Parkliurst,  Charles  H.,  539. 

Parsons,  Albert  R.,  522,  .523,  .524. 

Parton,  James,  a relative  of  Mrs.  Nast,  30; 
on  young  Nast,  83;  at  presentation  to 
Nast  of  L^nion  League  vase,  1.34;  on 
fighting  the  Tweed  Ring,  142;  on  Grant's 
second  election,  264;  advises  Nast  to 
rest,  26.5,  266;  concerning  Nast’s  retire- 
ment from  Harper’s,  .364—.366. 

Patrick,  J.  N.  IL,  398. 

Peace  Conference,  the,  73. 

Peace  Party,  98-102. 

Peard,  John  W.,  47-52,  .56-59,  64,  276,. 
388. 

Pelham,  Walter,  511. 

Pelton,  W.  T.,  391,  395,  396. 

Pelze-Nicol,  see  Santa  Claus. 

Pendleton,  George  IL,  100. 

Phelps,  William  Walter,  480. 

Phillips,  Wendell,  34,  136. 

“Phunny  Phellow,”  109,  202. 

Pickwick  Papers,  illustrated  by  Nast,  267.. 
Pictorial  World  of  London,  405. 

Platt,  Thomas  C.  (“Me  Too”),  446,  447, 
488,  489. 

Pleasanton,  .\lfred,  172,  173. 

“Plumed  Knight,”  the,  see  Blaine,  Jamea 
G. 

Pond,  J.  B.,  27.5,  .367,  385,  510,  511. 
Porter,  Horace,  2.52. 

Potter  Committee,  390,  391. 

Prohibition  Party,  503,  504. 

Powderly,  T.  V.,  .522. 


I'ry 


IXDEX  TO  TEXT 


Sum 


Prj'or,  Roger  A.,  73,  74. 

Puck,  35G. 

(Juay,  Matthew  S.,  535. 

Quincy,  Josiali,  497. 

“ Rag-Baby,”  the  Greenback,  origin  of, 
31.3-315;  see  also  Inflation  Bal)y,  the. 

Randall,  Samuel  J.,  322,  431,  47.S. 

Reconstruction,  107,  108,  111-116,  133. 

Reconstruction  .Acts,  125. 

Redpath,  James,  275. 

Reid,  John  C.,  340. 

Reid,  Whitelaw,  246,  248,  296,  303,  304, 
537,  538;  see  also  New  York  Tribune. 

Reinhart,  C.  S.,  205. 

Republican  Elephant,  the,  300. 

Republican  National  Conventions,  Chi- 
cago (1868),  119;  Philadelphia  (1872), 
240,  241;  Cincinnati  (1.876),  .329,  .3.30; 
Chicago(1880), 424-429;  Chicago (1884), 
488-490. 

Republican  Party,  298,  300-302,  .310,  .322, 
342,  404,  437,  439,  442-451,  462,  478, 
491,497;  see  oZso  Republican  National 
Conventions. 

Resumption  .Act,  .302. 

Resumption  of  specie  payment,  405. 

Riley,  .James  Whitcomb,  531. 

Roberts,  Marshall  O.,  144. 

Robertson,  AVilliam  H.,  428,  445. 

Robinson,  John  C.,  298. 

Robinson,  Lucius,  414. 

Rochester  Democrat,  the,  .362. 

Roo.sevelt,  Theodore,  work  in  New  York 
City — first  appearance  in  caricature, 
477,  478;  delegate  to  Republican 

National  Convention  (1884),  488,  490; 
meeting  with  and  praise  of  Nast’s  work, 
553;  appoints  Nast  consul,  5.56-558. 

Rose,  Sir  John,  212,  213. 

San  Domingo,  210. 

Santa  Claus,  1-4,  6,  .84,  96,  109,  112,  319. 

Sayers,  Thomas,  36,  .38,  40. 

Schell,  Edward,  144. 

Schurz,  Carl,  criticism  of  Lincoln,  80; 
opposed  to  Gr.ant  for  second  term,  208, 
213;  effort  to  restrict  presidential  term, 
228;  criticised  by  Curtis,  230;  interview 


with  Nast,  230,  2.31;  permanent  presi- 
dent of  Liberal  Republican  Convention, 
236;  on  the  failure  of  the  Republic,  308; 
Secretary  of  Interior,  406;  opposed  to 
Blaine,  497;  in  campaign  of  1884,  502. 

Sectarianism,  149-152,  L59. 

Serial  pictures  by  Nast,  314,  315. 

Seventh  New  York  Regiment,  78. 

Seward,  William  H.,  108,  116. 

Seymour,  Horatio,  tries  to  suppre.ss  Draft 
Riots  in  New  York,  9.3;  influence  on  Chi- 
cago Peace  Party  Convention,  98; 
caricatured  by  Nast,  124-128;  nomi- 
nated for  President  by  Democratic 
Party  in  1868,  125;  campaign  and 
defeat  of,  128,  129. 

Shandley,  Edward  J.,  1.59. 

Shepherd,  Alexander  R.,  294,  29.5. 

Sheppard,  W.  L.,  94. 

Sheridan,  Philip  H.,  90,  302,  310,  311. 

Sherman,  John,  378,  424,  428. 

Sherman,  William  T.,  339,  342,  408,  409, 
432. 

Shirlaw,  Walter,  17. 

Silver  Question,  the,  376,  377. 

Sistare,  George  K.,  144. 

Sixth  Massachusetts  Regiment,  78. 

Smith,  Hugh,  144. 

Southern  Claims,  3.38,  .339. 

Spanish-Cuban  Question,  the,  287. 

Springfield  Republican,  the,  .3.58,  362. 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  108,  116,  147. 

Star  Route  investigations,  4.56. 

Stewart,  William  M.,  291. 

St.  John,  John  P.,  503. 

St.  Louis  Globe  Democrat,  424. 

Stoddard,  Richard  Henry,  22. 

Suez  Canal,  442. 

Sumner,  Charles,  opposed  to  Grant’s  sec- 
ond nomination,  208,  209;  assaulted  by 
Brooks,  209;  compared  with  Grant, 
209,  210;  course  pursued  toward  Grant, 
210-213;  deposed  from  Chairmanship 
of  Senate  Committee  on  Foreign  Rela- 
tions, 21.3;  effort  to  re.strict  presidential 
term,  228;  final  attack  on  Grant,  240, 
241;  attitude  toward  Grant-Greeley 
campaign,  242-245;  censured  by  Massa- 
chusetts Legislature,  261 ; close  of  career, 
261. 


Sum 


IXDEX  TO  TEXT 


Twe 


Sumter,  Fort,  77. 

Sunday  Courier,  30. 

Sutliffe,  alias  of  A.  Oakey  Hall,  in  London, 
353. 

Sweeny,  James,  144. 

Sweeny,  Peter  B.  (“  Brains ”),  one  of  the 
“ Economical  Council”  at  Albany,  137; 
a member  of  the  Tweed  Ring,  140,  141 ; 
character,  143;  share  of  plunder,  144;  in 
the  Viaduct  Job,  145;  loss  of  power  in 
Tweed  Ring,  153;  a director  of  the  Erie 
Railroad,  157 ; well  known  to  Tilden,  165 ; 
called  on  to  produce  Controller’s  liooks, 

177,  178;  resignation,  flight,  and  res- 
titution, 198,  199;  see  also  Tweed  Ring, 
the. 

Swinton,  John  2.39. 

Tammany,  triumph  in  New  York  in  elec- 
tion of  1868,  129, 130;  the  Tiger  emblem, 
1.54-1.57;  at  Democratic  National  Con- 
vention (1872),  241,  242;  fight  with  the 
Tilden  Democracy,  414;  opposed  to 
Tilden  (1880),  4.30;  supports  Demo- 
cratic ticket  (1884),  498;  opposed  to 
Cleveland’s  nomination,  498;  demands 
spoils  of  office,  518,  .519;  Dr.  C.  H. 
Parkhurst  on,  539;  see  also  Tweed  Ring, 
the. 

Tammany-Democratic  tiger,  the,  11,  154- 
1.57,  196,  205,  2.54,  2.55. 

Tammany  Republican  General  Com- 
mittee, 162. 

Tammany  tiger,  see  Tammany-Demo- 
cratic tiger,  the. 

Taylor,  Moses,  144. 

Thackeray,  William  M.,  .3.3,  .39. 

Thomas,  W.  L.,  275. 

Tliompson,  Mortimer,  22,  2.3,  .30. 

Tliompson,  Richard  W.,  .329. 

Thorp,  T.  B.,  21,  22. 

Thurman,  .\llen  G.,  .314,  413. 

Tilden,  Samuel  .1.,  influence  over  Chicago 
Peace  Party  Convention  (1864),  98; 
plans  to  overthrow  Tweed  Ring,  16.5, 
166;  candidate  for  Governor  of  New 
York,  298;  elected,  300;  a reform 
leader,  .309,  310;  financial  leanings,  314,  i 
.334;  war  record,  31.5,  3.38;  Democratic  j 
candidate  for  President,  .328,  .3.32,  .33.3;  | 

XIV 


nominated  at  St.  Louis,  333;  in  tlie 
campaign,  338;  election  of,  claimed, 
340-342;  loses  election,  .346-348;  con- 
nection with  cipher  exposures,  .3.89-403; 
attitude  toward  Kelly-Robinson  fight, 
414;  withdrawal  from  presidential  con- 
test of  1880,  430;  decision  against, 
denounced,  4.31. 

Tipton,  Thomas  W.,  208,  213. 

Townsend,  John  D.,  in  “New  York  in 
Bondage,”  164,  .332. 

Train,  George  Francis,  269. 

Trumbull,  Lyman,  208,  225. 

Turkey,  .371,'  .372,  .387. 

Turko-Russian  War  situation,  375. 

“Tweed  Ring,”  the,  cartooned  by  Nast  in 
“the  Economical  Council,”  1.37;  com- 
position of,  140,  142,  143;  power  over 
New  York  City,  140-142;  methods  em- 
ployed, 14.3,  144;  exonerated  by  the 
“Whitewashing  Committee,”  144,  145; 
in  the  Viaduct  Job,  145;  cartooned  by 
Nast  in  1870,  149;  concessions  made  to 
the  clergy,  149-1.52;  attack  on,  begun  by 
New  York  Times,  152,  153;  failure  to 
bribe  tlie  Times,  1.53;  secures  new  City 
charter  and  victory'  over  Young  Democ- 
racy, 1.53,  154;  triumphant  in  election 
of  1870,  1.54;  condition  of,  early  in  1871, 
1.57,  1.58;  attack  on  the  Harpers,  1.58, 
1.59;  failure  of  the  Broadway  Job,  1.59; 
cartooned  by  Nast  early  in  1871,  1-58, 
1.59,  160,  164;  l)randed  as  embezzlers 
and  thieves,  160;  attitude  toward,  of 
most  of  New  York  City  papers,  161 ; of 
Horace  Greelej',  161-16.3;  growth  of 
public  sentiment  against,  16.3,  164; 
support  received  from  influential  citi- 
zens, 164;  incurs  hostility  of  Samuel  J. 
Tilden,  165;  exposure  of  Armory  frauds, 
170,  171,  173;  Orangemen’s  parade  riot 
and  effect,  171-173;  further  fraud  ex- 
posed, 174-177;  attitude  of  public  and 
press,  177,  178;  effort  to  intimidate  or 
buy  Nast,  179,  181,  182;  Nast’s  final 
liattle  against,  184-201 ; thoroughly 
frightened,  186;  investigated  by  Booth 
Committee,  186-188;  see  also  Tweed, 
William  .\L,  Sweeny,  Peter  B.,  Hall,  .\. 
Oakey,  Connolly,  Richard  B. 


Two 


INDEX  TO  TEXT 


Vou 


Tweed,  William  M.  (“Boss”),  Chief  of 
Big  Six  Fire  Company,  New  York,  11; 
presiding  officer  of  the  “Economical 
Council,”  137;  leader  of  the  Tweed 
Ring,  140,  141;  character  and  career, 
142,  143,  157;  share  of  plunder,  144;  in 
the  Viaduct  Job,  145;  proposed  statue 
of,  149,  159,  160;  increases  his  power  in 
the  Ring,  153,  154;  to  the  reformers, 
“What  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?” 
164;  well  known  to  Tilden,  165;  anger 
at  Nast’s  cartoons,  179;  arrested,  194; 
defeated  at  polls,  196-198;  sentence, 
286;  release,  316;  reimprisoned — es- 
cape, 316-318;  arrest  in  Spain,  335-337 ; 
death,  336;  see  also  Tweed  Ring,  the. 

Tyler,  John,  73. 

Union  commanders  discussed  (January 
186.3),  88. 

Union  League  Club,  133,  134. 

Union  Pacific  Railroad,  136,  269. 

Vallandigham,  Clement  L.,  98. 

Vance,  Zebulon  B.,  126. 

Vanderbilt,  W.  H.,  483. 

Viaduct  .lob,  the,  145. 

Victor  Emmanuel,  46,  61,  63. 

Virginius  Expedition,  the,  287. 

Voorhees,  Daniel  W.,  421. 

Wade,  Benjamin,  3.30. 

Wallack,  Lester,  14. 

Ward,  Ferdinand,  463. 

Wa.shburn,  Elihu  B.,  428. 

Washington,  Treaty  of,  21.3. 

Watson,  auditor  under  the  Tweed  Ring, 
1.59. 

Watson,  .lames,  144. 


Watterson,  Henrj^on  Nast’s  “Csesarism” 
cartoons,  296,  297 ; temporary  chairman 
of  Democratic  National  Convention 
(1876),  33.3;  in  the  Hayes-Tilden  con- 
test, 342,344;  relations  with  Nast,  .344- 
.346,  358,  359;  on  the  Money  Question, 
380,  381;  editorial  on  Nast,  575. 

Wand,  A.  R.,  94,  .501,  .502. 

Weaver,  J.  B.,  422,  42.3. 

Weed,  Smith  M.,  391,  397. 

Welles,  Edward,  32. 

Welles,  Gideon,  108,  116. 

West,  Judge,  of  Ohio,  489. 

Westervelt,  Jacob  A.,  1.56. 

Wheeler,  William  A.,  330,  346. 

“Whisky  Ring,”  .316,  325. 

White,  Harr>',  311,  31.3. 

White  Leaguers  of  Louisiana,  311. 

White,  Richard  Grant,  134. 
“Whitewashing  Committee,”  the,  144, 
145. 

Wickham,  William  H.,  .300,  301. 

“ Wild  Oats,”  an  illustrated  paper,  1.88. 
Wilkes,  George,  34. 

Wilson,  Henry,  134,  222,  241. 

Wiman,  Erastus,  529. 

Windom,  William,  428. 

Wood,  Angel,  23. 

Wood,  Fernando,  69,  77,  98,  272,  274,  324. 
Woodford,  Stewart  L.,  .330. 

Woodward,  E.  A.,  144. 

Wooley,  C.  W.  (“Fox”),  391,  .394. 
Wyndham,  Percy,  121. 

Yankee  Notions,  .30. 

Young  Democracy,  the,  of  New  "5ork, 
1.54. 

Young,  John  Russell,  129,  279,  387,  411, 
1 425,  .532. 


XV 


INDEX  TO  ILLUSTRATIONS 


Abbey,  Edwin  A.,  467. 

Alabama  Claims  Case,  135,  211,  212,  213. 
Amnesty,  323. 

Amphitheatrum  Jolmsonianum,  117. 
Anarchy,  525. 

Army  and  Xa\y,  293,  297,  360,  386,  409, 
444. 

Arthur,  Chester  A.,  449. 

Astor,  John  Jacob,  144. 

Back  Pay  Grab,  288. 

Ballot  Box,  The,  343. 

Barnum,  P.  T.,  110,  259,  452. 

Barrel,  Master  Tilden’s,  341. 

Bayard,  Thomas  F.,  419. 

Bayonet  Rvde,  305. 

Beecher,  Rev.  Henry  Ward,  110,  115. 
Belknap,  William  F.,  325. 

Bcllew,  Frank,  Cartoon,  254. 

Belmont,  .\ugust,  138,  236,  237. 

Bench,  The  Upright,  317. 

Bennett,  James  Gordon,  Jr.,  271,  273, 
279,  282,  285.  295,  296,  303,  307,  313, 
320,  357. 

Billings,  Josh,  278. 

Bismarck,  Otto  von,  387,  388. 

Blaine,  James  G.,  413,  478,  488,  493,  495, 
497,  499,  .505,  506,  507,  508. 

Blair,  Frank  P.,  233,  236. 

Blivens,  Jacob,  264. 

Booth,  Edwin,  110. 

Bosco,  General,  53. 

Boston,  290. 

Boston  Fire,  The,  261. 

Boutwell,  George  S.,  169. 

Bribery,  521. 

Brown,  B.  Gratz,  233,  240,  249,  252,  257, 
259. 

Byant,  William  Cullen,  110,  357. 


Burlingame,  Anson,  131. 

Burton,  William  E.,  548. 

Butler,  Benjamin  F.,  92,  290,  291,  406, 
412,  .503,  506. 

Cajsarism,  279,  280,  282,  295,  307. 

Caf6  Della  Concordia,  Genoa,  46. 
“Calabria,  In,”  58. 

Cameron,  Simon,  292. 

Carpenter,  Zachariah,  292. 

Chase,  Salmon  P.,  125,  234. 

Chicago  Platform  Cartoon,  101. 

“Children  cry  for  it,”  215. 

Childs,  George  AV.,  367. 

Chinese  Exclusion,  150,  410,  413. 
Chipman,  N.  P.,  225. 

Christkind,  The,  .531. 

Christmas,  85,  96,  103,  527. 

Christopher  Street  Ferrj'  Scene,  19. 
Cincinnatus,  223. 

Civil  Service,  215,  306,  475,  488,  493,  514. 
“Clasping  hands  over  the  bloodless 
(sar)c(h)asm,”  259. 

Claxton,  Kate,  361. 

Cleveland,  Grover,  460,  461,  462,  479,  499, 
514,  .522. 

Columbia,  105,  127,  202,  2.56,  261,  293, 
294,  383,  440,  447,  449,  451. 
Communism,  393. 

“Compromise  Cartoon,”  The,  99. 

Conant,  S.  S.,  267. 

Congress,  The  Opening  of,  403. 

Conkling,  Roscoe,  292,  416,  445,  447,  448. 
Connolly,  Richard  B.,  139,  151,  169,  171, 
180,  182,  183,  185,  187,  189,  191,  193, 
19.5,  197,  200,  201,  205. 

Copperhead  Newspapers,  146. 

Cox,  Samuel  S.,  323. 

Credit  Mobilier,  271. 


Crok 


INDEX  TO  ILLUSTRATIONS 


Joll 


Croker,  Richard,  541. 

Curtis,  George  William,  123,  254,  26<. 

Dana,  Charles  A.,  271,  273,  357,  503. 

Davis,  David,  233,  234,  2.36,  382. 

Davis,  Jefferson,  233,  236. 

Death  in  the  Tunnel,  386. 

Democratic  Donkey,  The,  146  (first  ap- 
pearance), 223,  260,  286,  327,  410. 

Democratic  Party,  299,  301 , 306,  477 . See 
also  Democratic  Donkey,  The,  and 
Tiger,  Tammany-Democratic. 

Democratic  Tiger,  see  Tiger,  Tammany- 
Democratic. 

Depew,  C'hauncey  M.,  .5.36. 

Dinner  Pail,  The  Empty,  436. 

“ Doesticks,”  ,<?ee  Thompson,  Mortimer. 

Dollar,  The  Divided,  295. 

Economical  Council,  The,  Albany,  New 
York,  139. 

Education,  411. 

Edwards,  Miss  Sarah,  .31. 

Egyptian  Question,  4.59,  462. 

Elephant,  Republican,  299  (first  appear- 
ance), 301,  308,  309,  315,  348,  374,  419, 
424,  437,  475. 

England,  442,  4.59,  464.  See  also  John 
Bull. 

Erie  Ring,  217,  320. 

Fenton,  Reuben  E.,  215,  219,  223,  226, 
233,  237,  25.3,  292. 

Field,  David  Dudley,  217,  274,  317,  320, 
321. 

Field,  Thomas,  183,  193,  197,  274. 

Fish,  Hamilton,  212,  .326. 

Fisk,  .James,  Jr.,  1.39, 155, 156, 183, 193, 197. 

France,  442,  443. 

Free  Republican,  495. 

Garfield,  James  A.,  434. 

Garibaldi,  Giuseppe,  48,  50,  54,  58,  .59,  60, 
65,  457. 

Garibaldians,  47,  .50. 

Garvey,  Andrew  Jackson,  180,  183,  197. 

German  Vote,  235. 

Germany,  359,  444,  464. 

Gil  Bias,  Scenes  from,  26,  27. 

Gladstone,  William  E.,  4.59,  462. 

Godwin,  Parke,  273. 


Gould,  Jay,  139, 1.56,  217,  223,  274,  .506. 

Grant,  Ulysses  S.,  110,  117,  120,  1.30,  212, 
215,  229,  240,  247,  2.59,  260,  291,  294, 
306,  312,  327,  448,  .546. 

Greeley,  Horace,  75,  76, 110, 117, 1.80,  215, 
219,'  22.3,  227,  233,  2.36,  237,  238,  240, 
247,  249,  2.51,  2.52,  253,  255,  256,  257, 
2.58,  259,  260. 

Grundy,  Mrs.,  (title  page),  showing  many 
public  characters;  100. 

Hall,  A.  Oakey,  137,  151,  1.56,  1.59,  160, 
169,  171,  180,  182,  18.3,  18.5,  187,  189, 
191,  19.3,  194,  195,  197,  200,  201,  20.5, 
206,  249,  2.59,  260,  274,  353. 

Halstead,  Murat,  345,  381. 

Hancock,  Winfield  S.,  433,  435,  438,  440. 

Hard  Money,  3.34. 

Hard  Times,  315. 

Harper,  Fletcher,  122. 

Harper,  Fletcher,  Jr.,  267. 

Harper’s  Weekly,  357,  434;  Nast’s  first 
contribution  to,  29;  first  caricature 
for,  88. 

Hawley,  Joseph  R.,  488. 

Hay,  John,  80. 

Heenan-Sayers  Fight,  The,  37-44. 

Hendricks,  Thomas  A.,  .334,  .335. 

Henley  Boat  Race,  385. 

Hewitt,  .\bram  S.,  347. 

Hoar,  George  F.,  488. 

Hoffman,  John  T.,  110,  117,  132,  1.39, 151, 
1.55,  156,  159,  160,  165,  183,  197,  249, 
2.57,  259,  260. 

House  of  Representatives,  pencil  sketch 
made  in,  74. 

Howard,  Joe,  Jr.,  271. 

Independent  Vote,  416. 

Indian,  The,  163,  443,  483. 

Indian  Bureau,  The,  407. 

Inflation,  286,  289,  295,  329. 

Ingersoll  (his  company),  180.  183.  193, 
197. 

Irons,  Martin,  52.3. 

Irving  Hall,  460,  461. 

Jennings,  Louis  John,  14.5. 

John  Bull,  88,  131,  1.35,  213,  359,  375,  385, 
458, 462. 


XVIII 


Joll 


IXDEX  TO  ILLUSTRATIOXS 


Hub 


Johnson,  Andrew,  100,  107,  108,  110,  113, 
115, 116, 117, 133,233,230,255,257,200. 
Joint  High  Commission,  The,  211. 

Jones,  George,  143,  357. 

Jumbo,  452. 

Justice,  271,  274,  317,  318,  397,  .521. 

Kelly,  Honest  John,  414,  415,  431,  401, 
516. 

King  Cotton,  4.53. 

“ Kingdom  Cornin’,”  86. 

Kipling,  Rudyard,  545. 

Labor,  295. 

Lee,  Robert  E.,  546,  5.59. 

Legal  Trials,  268. 

Leslie,  Frank,  17,  18,  76,  357. 

Leslie’s  Weekly,  Nast’s  first  a.ssignment, 
19;  cartoon  by  Morgan,  247. 

Liberty,  1 15,  477,  525. 

Lincoln,  Abraham,  71,  73,  80,  103,  10.5. 
Lion,  The,  and  the  Lamb,  340. 

Locke,  David  R.,  114. 

Logan,  .John  A.,  117,  21.5,  292,  478. 
Louisiana  Legislature,  305. 

IvOwell,  James  Russell,  363. 

Marble,  Manton,  117,  259,  271,  .397. 
March,  543 
Maretzek,  Max,  109. 

Marriage,  278. 

Matthews,  Stanley,  379. 

McClellan,  George  B.,  101. 

.McKinley,  William,  .540. 

Medici,  General,  49. 

Medill,  Joseph,  271. 

Morgan,  Matt,  247. 

Morrissey,  John,  42,  7.5,  76,  334. 

Morton,  Oliver  P.,  292. 

Mundy,  Admiral,  65. 

Napoleon  HI,  131,  147,  148,  149. 

Nasby,  Petroleum  V.,  7iom  de  'plume,  see 
Locke,  David  R. 

Nast,  Th.,  cartoons  and  sketches,  18, 32, 35, 
36,  52,  .56,  no,  114,  2.54,  2,80,  282,  285, 
292,  346,  3.55,  357,  40.5,  434,  475,  5.50, 
.5.51,  5.52,  553,  554,  .5.55,  .556,  5.57,  559, 
.560,  .566;  portraits,  31, 79, 107, 141, 365. 
Nast,  Th.,  and  family,  273. 

Nast,  Mrs.,  31  (as  Miss  Edwards),  .365; 
and  baby,  83. 


Nast’s  Almanac,  264, 278. 

Nast’s  Weekly,  a cartoon  from,  539. 

Negro,  The,  11.3,  129,  236,  306,  410,  413. 
New  Hampshire,  308. 

New  York,  520. 

New  York  City,  in  a few  years,  444. 

New  York  Herald,  299;  see  also,  Bennett, 
James  Gordon,  Jr. 

New  York  Times,  299.  See  also  Jones, 
George. 

New  York  Tribune,  299,  .397.  See  also 
Greeley,  Horace,  and  Reid,  Whitelaw. 
New  York  World,  299.  See  also  Marble, 
Manton. 

O’Brien  Democracj’,  152. 

Ohio,  299. 

“Old  Curiosity  Shop,”  a scene  from,  1.5. 

Parton,  .James,  364. 

Peard,  Colonel,  56. 

“I"’eevish  schoolboys,  worthless  of  such 
honor,”  292. 

Phillips,  Wendell,  110,  115. 

Picnics,  souvenirs  of,  32,  33. 

Platt,  Thomas  C.,  445,  447,  448. 
Pleasanton,  .\lfred,  169. 

Police  Scandal,  The  Metropolitan,  29. 
Pomeroy,  “Brick,”  271. 

I’otter  Com’'iittee,  390. 

Powderly,  1 V’.,  .52.3. 

Pryor,  Roger  A.,  74 

Puck,  first  issue,  3.5’.  cartoon  of  Nast,  434. 

Rag  Baby  314  (first  appearance),  328, 
329,  33.5,  384,  412,  437. 

Randall,  Samuel  J.,  422,  423. 

Randolph,  Senator,  438. 

Reid,  Whitelaw,  2.57,  2.59,  271,  273,  296, 
307,  320,  331, 357,  497,  50.3. 

Republican  Elephant,  The,  299,  301,  .308, 
309, 31.5, 348,  374,  419,424,437,47.5,493. 
Republican  J.amb,  The,  .322,  .32.3,  .371. 
Republican  Party,  .306.  See  also  Repub- 
lican Elephant,  The,  and  Republican 
I.amb,  The. 

Republican  Ring,  4.34. 

“ Richelieu,”  scene  from,  20. 

Roberts,  Marshall  O.,  144. 

Robinson  Crusoe,  specimen  illustration 
from,  9.5. 


XIX 


Itub 


IXDEX  TO  ILLUSTRATIOXS 


Zoii 


Robinson,  Lucius,  414. 

Roosevelt,  Theodore,  479. 

Rum,  162,  483. 

Sands,  Nathaniel,  193,  197. 

Santa  Claus,  3,  94,  96,  111,  527. 

Sarony,  Napoleon,  362. 

Sayers,  Thomas,  see  Heenan-Sayers  Fight, 
The. 

Schools,  Sectarianism  in  the,  191. 

Schurz,  Carl,  215,  219,  223,  228,  231,  232, 
233,  235,  236,  237,  241,  245,  249,  2.53, 
257,  259,  260,  262,  292,  331,  407. 
Seventh  Regiment,  New  York,  78. 
Seward,  William  H.,  108,  109,  113,  115, 
117. 

Seymour,  Horatio,  124,  126,  127,  128,  130, 
233. 

Shadows  of  Forthcoming  Events,  151. 
Shakespeare,  William,  580. 

Shandley,  Edward  J.,  160. 

Shepherd,  Alexander  R.,  294. 

Sheridan,  Philip  H.,  117,  311,  546. 
Shirlaw,  Walter,  17. 

Silver  Question,  379,  381,  384,  443,  482. 
Skyscraper,  Tlie,  a prophecy,  444. 

“Small  Potatoes,”  267. 

Smith,  Hank,  193,  197. 

Soft  iloney,  334. 

Solid  South,  The,  339. 

South,  The  New,  453. 

Spain,  363. 

Spaniard,  The,  287. 

Specie  Payment,  302. 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  108,  110,  113,  115, 
117, 146. 

St.  John,  John  P.,  505. 

Stock  Market,  Tlie,  484 
“Stop  Thief,”  193. 

St.  Peter,  306. 

Suez  Canal  Question,  The,  442, 

Sumner,  Charles,  115.  209,  215,  219,  229, 
2.36,  241,2.59. 

Sweeny,  Peter  B.,  139,  151,  155,  156,  158, 
1.59,  160,  165,  169,  171,  180,  182,  183, 
185,  187,  189,  191,  193,  194,  195,  197, 
199,  200,  201,  205,  2.59,  260,  274. 

Tammsiny,  1.53,  315,  437,  460,  461,  516, 
5.39. 


Tammany  Ring,  320. 

Tammany  Tiger,  9,  197,  2.52,  334,  518, 
519,  5.39,  .541. 

“Tammany  Tiger  Loose,  The,”  197. 

Taylor,  Moses,  144. 

Testimonials  to  Nast,  134,  .372,  409. 

Thackeray,  33. 

Thurm.an,  Allen  G.,  314,  335. 

Tidal  Wave,  2.57. 

Tiger,  Tammany-Democratic,  322,  323, 
324,  .348,  371,  435,  4.37,  4.39,  462. 

Tilden,  Samuel  J.,  .3.32,  3.34,  335,  338,  341, 
347,401,414,431,433,  514. 

Tilton,  Theodore,  259. 

Tipton,  Thomas  W.,  219,  232,  233,  2.36, 
2.37,  257,  2.59,  292. 

Train,  George  Francis,  233. 

Trojan  Horse,  The,  249. 

Trumbull,  Lyman,  215,  219,  2.33,  236,  237. 

Turkey,  .3.59,  373,  .387,  .3.88,  464. 

Turko-Rus.sian  War,  3.59,  373,  .377. 

Tweed,  AVilli.am  M.  (“Bo.ss  ”),  11, 1.38, 151, 
152,  15.5,  1.56,  1.58,  1.59,  160,  164,  165, 

169,  171,  17.3,  177,  180,  182,  18.3,  185, 

187,  189,  191,  193,  194,  195,  197,  198, 

200,  201,  20.5,  207,  208,  249,  2.59,  274, 

317,  318,  337,  401,  415,  431,  519,  520. 

“Twelfth  Night,”  a scene  from,  13. 

Uncle  Sam,  135,  202,  213,  2.52,  2.59  , 289, 
29.3,  315,  329,  355,  379,  383,  385,  405, 
443,  482,  542. 

Yoorhees,  Daniel  AY.,  421,  4.55. 

W.all  Street,  1.37,  287,  484. 

War  in  the  border  States,  the,  87. 

Watterson,  Henry,  273,  345,  346,  381. 

Weaver,  J.  B.,  422,  423,  437. 

AYelles,  Gideon,  108,  109,  113,  115,  117. 

“Wliat  are  you  going  to  do  about  it?” 
164, 197. 

Whisky  Ring,  316. 

“ Who  stole  the  people’s  money — da 
tell,”  180. 

AYilliam  I,  Emperor  of  Germany,  149. 

Wisdom,  303. 

Wood,  Ben.,  2.59,  271,  357. 

Wood,  Fernando,  233,  323. 

Zouave,  A,  77. 


XX 


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